Heatwave alert in Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka, Andhra till May 7
What's the story
Several states in India, including West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, are expected to continue seeing heatwave conditions until May 7.
In contrast, the northeastern states are expected to see heavy rainfall and thunderstorms until May 6, the weather department said.
Meanwhile, the national capital is predicted to experience a cloudy sky with potential drizzle and strong surface winds during the day on May 7-8.
Election update
BJP requests change in polling hours in Karnataka
In light of the heatwave in Karnataka, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has requested the Election Commission to adjust polling hours for the 14 parliamentary constituencies voting on May 7.
The party suggested a revised window of 6:00am-7:00pm.
The weather office stated on Wednesday that above-normal maximum temperatures are expected over most of the country in May. A notably high number of heatwave days are expected over the northern plains, central region, and neighboring areas of peninsular India.
Rajasthan forecast
Rajasthan braces for rising temperatures, possible heatwave
On the weather situation in Rajasthan, Director of Jaipur Meteorological Center, Radheshyam Sharma, said, "The temperature in most areas of Rajasthan is...under 40 degrees and under."
However, he also warned that "The minimum temperature will rise by 2 to 5 degrees Celsius in the coming days. In western Rajasthan, the maximum temperature on May 6, 7 will be from 43 to 45 degrees Celsius. There is a possibility of a heatwave in Rajasthan from May 7 to 10."
Kerala
Kerala shuts educational institutions till Monday
In Kerala, all educational institutions to remain closed until Monday in light of the severe heatwave.
According to local media, at least two individuals died in Kerala this week, but authorities have yet to determine whether the deaths were caused by extreme heat.
On Thursday, the temperature in Thiruvananthapuram reached 35 degrees Celsius, but the IMD reported that it felt like 46 degrees Celsius due to high humidity.