The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a heatwave warning for four states - West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar - over the next three to four days. Earlier this month, the IMD predicted above-normal maximum temperatures for most parts of the country from April to June, except parts of the northwest and the peninsular regions.
According to the IMD, heatwave conditions are likely in isolated pockets of Gangetic West Bengal until April 17, north coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha until April 15, and in Bihar from April 15 to 17. The IMD said that the maximum temperatures in several parts of the western Himalayan region and northeast India, West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala are three to five notches above normal.
Above-normal heatwave days are expected in most parts of central, east, and northwest India during this period.
The maximum temperatures in central and north peninsular India are hovering in the range of 40 to 42 degrees Celsius at present. At present, certain regions of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, interior Maharashtra, Odisha, and Telangana are experiencing maximum temperatures between 40 and 42 degree Celsius, while the other parts of the country have temperatures below 40 degrees Celsius. Additionally, some areas of Jammu & Kashmir, northeast, and adjoining East India are witnessing temperatures that are 2-3 degree Celsius above the normal range. The Odisha government has even announced the closure of schools till 16 April in the wake of “intense heat wave conditions” in the state.
The IMD said maximum temperatures are three to five notches above normal in many parts of the western Himalayan region and northeast India, West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. In an extended-range forecast, the IMD said heatwave conditions are likely over parts of Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh on some days between April 20 and April 26.
A heat wave is declared if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius in the plains, at least 37 degrees in coastal areas and at least 30 degrees in hilly regions, and the departure from normal is at least 4.5 degrees.