The Odisha government has taken precautionary measures in response to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of a heatwave. In an official order issued on Wednesday, the School and Mass Education Department announced the closure of all schools in the state from April 18 to 20.
Reason for Closure:
The decision to close all schools, including government, government-aided, and private institutions, stems from concerns over the prevailing heatwave conditions and the expected rise in day temperatures. The IMD has forecasted temperatures crossing the 45 degrees Celsius mark in certain areas of Odisha during the specified period.
Heatwave Conditions:
Baripada town in Mayurbhanj district experienced scorching temperatures, recording 43.6 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest place in the country on Tuesday. The IMD’s Bhubaneswar Centre has issued bulletins indicating the prevalence of heatwave conditions in several districts of Odisha, as well as hot and humid weather in other regions.
Forecasted Conditions in Surrounding Areas:
Additionally, the weather bureau has provided updates on hot and humid weather expected in various regions from Tuesday to Saturday. These include Gangetic West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Rayalaseema, Coastal Karnataka, Kerala, Mahe, coastal areas of Gujarat, Konkan, Goa, and Madhya Maharashtra.
Precautionary Measures:
With heat exposure being a concern, the IMD’s advice includes wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose cotton clothes, covering the head, and using cloth, hats, or umbrellas for protection. These measures are crucial to prevent adverse effects from the heatwave, which can become fatal when exposed to extreme temperatures.
Understanding Heatwave:
The IMD defines a heatwave as a condition where the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius for plains and at least 30 degrees Celsius for hilly regions. It underscores the importance of taking necessary precautions to safeguard against the adverse effects of high temperatures on human health.
