Heatwave alert in several states ahead of phase 1 polling
What's the story
The India Meteorological Department on Tuesday issued a heatwave alert for several states—including Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and West Bengal. Hundreds of voters expected to participate in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections could be impacted by the heatwave. The IMD has also issued a separate warning for urban areas in Maharashtra like Thane, Mumbai, and Raigad, warning about an upcoming heatwave expected this week.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The warning of heatwaves comes as India gears up to vote in the Lok Sabha polls. Earlier, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had issued an advisory for the mitigation of the heat wave impact on voters, demanding the provision of water taps and proper sanitation at all voting booths. While extreme heat is expected to interrupt regular life across India, various regions like Jammu, Kashmir, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh will reportedly experience rainfall, hailstorms, and thunderstorms.
Rising temperatures
Heatwave conditions expected in Goa, Odisha, and Bengal
The IMD predicts that North Goa will face heatwave conditions on April 15 and 16. Odisha is also expected to experience similar weather patterns from April 15 to 19. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are bracing for high temperatures with heatwave conditions anticipated from April 16 to 18. West Bengal has been alerted of a heatwave, with high temperatures expected from April 17 to 19.
Summer alert
Kerala districts receive yellow alert amid heatwave
In Kerala, a yellow alert has been issued in several districts including Kollam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and of Thiruvananthapuram due to the severe summer heat. Other districts such as Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Kasaragod are also preparing for high temperatures this week. The yellow alert signifies that the region needs to be prepared for the severe weather conditions.
Weather respite
Delhi-NCR to experience brief relief from heatwave
Meanwhile, Delhi and neighboring National Capital Region (NCR) are forecast to enjoy a break from the intense heat this week. The IMD predicts cloudy skies with strong surface winds reaching speeds of 20 to 25km/h during the day in the national capital on April 16. Light showers and thunderstorms are also likely in parts of Delhi and NCR regions like Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad in the coming two days.