Heatwave havoc in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, rain relief likely in Telangana & Northeast

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• May 6, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

The maximum temperatures recorded in these states have been 4-7 degrees Celsius above normal...

Digital Desk: Over the past few days, several states across India have been engulfed by blistering heatwaves, with temperatures soaring up to a staggering 45 degrees Celsius in some regions. States including Telangana, Kerala, Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra's Vidarbha region, Gangetic West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu have been particularly affected, prompting concerns about the health and well-being of residents.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings and alerts for various regions, highlighting the severity of the heatwave conditions. According to the IMD, the maximum temperatures recorded in these states have been 4-7 degrees Celsius above normal, indicating the intensity of the heatwave.

In response to the alarming conditions, authorities have issued orange alerts for several districts, indicating the potential for severe heatwave conditions. In Karnataka, where Lok Sabha constituencies are set to go to polls, temperatures have surged to 42-44 degrees Celsius, prompting concerns about voter turnout and the well-being of election officials and voters alike.

Odisha, in particular, experienced scorching temperatures, with the mercury soaring to 45 degrees Celsius in some areas. Similarly, other states such as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Tamil Nadu have recorded temperatures ranging from 42 to 45 degrees Celsius, exacerbating the heatwave conditions.

Amidst the heatwave, the IMD has forecasted some relief in the form of rainfall and thunderstorms in various parts of the country. States like Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Telangana are expected to experience rainfall and thunderstorms in the coming days.

The anticipated rainfall is likely to bring much-needed respite from the scorching temperatures and provide relief to residents grappling with the heatwave. Additionally, the IMD has predicted heavy rainfall spells accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds in Northeast India, further alleviating the heatwave conditions in the region.

In Telangana, where the orange alert remains in effect, the Meteorological Centre has stated that temperatures are expected to subside in the coming days, with rainfall and thunderstorms forecasted to bring relief from the intense heat. Residents are advised to take precautions and stay hydrated amidst the ongoing heatwave conditions.

As the nation grapples with the impact of the heatwave, the forecasted rainfall offers hope for relief and underscores the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather events. Authorities and residents alike must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate the effects of the heatwave and ensure the well-being of all citizens.