The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued forecasts indicating the likelihood of heat wave conditions persisting across several regions over the next five days. According to their latest update, these regions include parts of Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Konkan, Saurashtra and Kutch, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, and Telangana.
To provide specific details, isolated pockets of Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal are expected to experience heat wave conditions from April 16 to 20. North Konkan, Saurashtra, and Kutch are likely to experience these conditions from Tuesday to Wednesday, while coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are forecasted to experience them from Wednesday to Thursday. Additionally, Telangana is expected to face heat wave conditions from Tuesday to Thursday.
Conversely, Delhi and other NCR cities are anticipated to experience relief from intense heat this week, with pleasant weather forecasted for most areas. For April 16, cloudy skies are expected in the national capital, accompanied by strong surface winds reaching speeds of 20 to 25 kmph during the day.
The IMD also noted that hot and humid weather is expected in various regions, including Gangetic West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Rayalaseema from Tuesday to Saturday. Coastal Karnataka, Kerala, Mahe are forecasted to experience similar conditions on Tuesday and Wednesday, while coastal areas of Gujarat will likely experience them from Tuesday to Thursday. Additionally, Konkan, Goa are expected to face these conditions from Thursday to Saturday.
Furthermore, warm nights are expected over Madhya Maharashtra from Tuesday to Thursday and over Odisha from Wednesday to Saturday.
Earlier in April, parts of east and peninsular India experienced heat wave conditions. These regions included Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Vidarbha, North Interior Karnataka, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, Rayalaseema, and Telangana.
Heatwaves pose a significant risk to human health, with fatal consequences when exposed. The conditions are defined based on temperature thresholds over a region, considering actual temperature or its departure from normal. In certain countries, heat waves are defined based on the heat index, which considers temperature and humidity, or extreme percentiles of temperatures.
A heat wave is considered if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius or more for plains and at least 30 degrees Celsius or more for hilly regions.
The IMD advises people to take precautions to avoid heat exposure, including wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting cotton clothes, covering the head, and using a cloth, hat, or umbrella for shade.
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