People staying in north, northwest and central India should brace for intense heatwaves in April. The India Meteorological Department on Thursday issued alert to the ministries of Labour, Power and Fire departments owing to heat wave conditions and cautioned people to avoid sun exposure as much as possible.
In its seasonal forecast, the IMD said that north, northwest and central India may see above-normal maximum temperatures in April with below normal rainfall. Regions including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha will be experiencing summers unlike that in 2020 and 2021.
Intense heatwave has forced the Telangana and Odisha governments to reschedule the timings of the schools. The Telangana government has reduced the timings of half day to all schools from March 31 to April 6 while the Odisha government decided that morning classes will be held for classes 1-8 from 6.30-10.30 am from April 2. Students of classes 9-12 will attend school from 7-11.30 am.
“ During April, there will be above normal maximum temperatures over northwest and central India, whereas normal to below normal maximum temperatures are likely over the south peninsular India, eastern parts of central India and extreme southern part of northeast India,” Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general of IMD said while releasing forecast on Thursday. In its advisory, IMD has alerted the Power Ministry to keep a regular check on power cuts and ensure proper electricity supply.
People have been advised to stay indoors and avoid sun exposure as much as possible as heatwave could lead to severe to moderate health concerns for vulnerable people. The Labour Ministry has also been advised to follow the same instruction and avoid involving labourers outdoors to escape the direct exposure to the sun. To improve public safety and minimise the risk of fire incidents, the Fire Department has been suggested to be equipped and alert. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra are continuing to witness maximum temperatures hovering between 39-42 degrees during the last few days.
The IMD declares a “heatwave” when the maximum temperature is over 40 degrees Celsius and at least 4.5 notches above normal. A “severe” heatwave is declared if the departure from normal temperature is more than 6.4 notches, according to the IMD.
On the contrary, thunderstorms will bring rains over south peninsular India, keeping a check on the maximum temperatures. The prevailing La Nina conditions are likely to continue till July or even August, according to IMD.