IMD issues 'heatwave to severe heatwave' warning for several states
What's the story
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), on Wednesday, issued a "heatwave to severe heatwave" warning for several states across India.
Over the next five days, West Bengal, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Sikkim, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand are expected to face extreme weather conditions.
The weather department has also cautioned about increased discomfort due to high humidity levels in coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala. Other impacted states include Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Bihar.
Weather standards
What is a heatwave?
A heatwave is officially declared when the maximum temperature at a weather station reaches 40°C or higher in the plains, 37°C in coastal areas, and 30°C in hilly regions.
If the departure from normal temperature exceeds 6.4 notches, it is classified as a severe heatwave.
The IMD had previously warned about extreme heat during the April-June period due to prevailing but weakening El Nino conditions.
Alert details
Heatwave alert issued in Maharashtra's Thane, Raigad districts
In Maharashtra's Thane and Raigad districts, as well as parts of Mumbai, a heatwave alert has been issued from April 27 to 29.
IMD scientist Sushma Nair stated that an anti-cyclonic circulation over these areas is expected to cause a temperature surge with peak temperatures anticipated during the same period.
This warning coincides with the ongoing seven-phase Lok Sabha elections in India.
State measures
Tripura issues public advisory to minimize impact of hot weather
In Tripura, the Disaster Management Authority issued a public advisory aimed at minimizing the impact of the ongoing hot and humid weather expected to persist for several days.
The state's revenue department cautioned people to avoid exposure to blazing sun and heat which might result in sun strokes.
Separately, in Odisha, one person died due to heatstroke and 124 hospitalizations were reported across 16 districts due to heat-related ailments.
Weather update
Delhi witnesses sudden rainfall, 15 flights diverted
Meanwhile, Delhi witnessed a sudden shift in weather with rain pouring down on Tuesday.
This resulted in the diversion of 15 flights and injuries to eight individuals when a house wall collapsed during the sudden rainfall and storm.
Despite this, parts of Uttar Pradesh, including Varanasi and nearby areas of Purvanchal, have been experiencing oppressive heat since Saturday with the maximum daytime temperature soaring close to 43°C.