1. Unusual heatwave extends to typically cooler regions of India.
2. Kerala, Matheran, and Bengaluru face exceptionally high temperatures.
3. Signs of an unprecedented heatwave event prompt concern in affected areas.
Weather Update, April 29: The scorching heatwave gripping various parts of India has extended its reach to areas not typically associated with such extreme weather conditions.
Regions like Kerala, including the picturesque town of Matheran in Maharashtra and Bengaluru, are experiencing unusually high temperatures, signaling an exceptional heatwave event.
Unprecedented Temperatures
In Kerala, Alappuzha and Matheran registered record-breaking temperatures this month, reaching 38°C and 39°C, respectively. Bengaluru also saw exceptionally high temperatures, with two weather stations reporting the third and fourth highest April temperatures on record—38.5°C and 37.6°C.
Heatwave Intensity Across States
Several other states have witnessed unprecedented heatwave conditions. Aminidivi in Lakshadweep reported temperatures reaching 36.6°C, making it the 10th-highest temperature ever recorded.
Arogyavaram in Andhra Pradesh experienced scorching temperatures of 41.0°C, while Canning in West Bengal soared to 42.4°C, marking the second-highest temperature ever recorded in April.
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Other regions, including Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, have also reported exceptionally high temperatures.
IMD Forecast and Electoral Impact
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in eastern and southern India for the next five days.
Areas such as Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, parts of Jharkhand, Rayalaseema, interior Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are expected to be particularly affected.
These regions coincide with areas where elections are scheduled for the next two phases, potentially impacting voter turnout.
Election Concerns
With temperatures forecasted to exceed 35°C in many constituencies and peak above 40°C in others, concerns arise regarding voter participation. The prolonged heatwave, combined with high temperatures, may deter voters, potentially affecting voter turnout in the upcoming election phases.
Relief Outlook
The IMD suggests that relief from the heatwave may not arrive until May 1, with some thunderstorm activity expected thereafter. However, IMD Director General M. Mohapatra notes that the current heat episode in eastern India has been prolonged, deviating from the typical duration of heatwaves in April.
Heat Index Warnings
In addition to high temperatures, IMD forecasts a heat index—a combination of air temperature and relative humidity—ranging from 40-50°C along the east coast and peninsular south. Some areas may even experience heat indices reaching up to 60°C, posing significant health risks.
Agricultural Impact
The prolonged heatwave also raises concerns about agricultural production, particularly for winter-sown crops. IMD’s earlier prediction of more heatwave days than usual between April and June underscores the potential agricultural implications of the current weather conditions.
As India grapples with unprecedented heatwave conditions, attention turns to mitigating the impacts on public health, agriculture, and electoral participation.
Timely interventions and preparedness measures are crucial to minimize the adverse effects of the prolonged heatwave on various sectors across the country.
