• 'Severe heatwave' shuts Odisha schools, mercury to soar in Delhi-NCR: IMD

    National
    'Severe heatwave' shuts Odisha schools, mercury to soar in Delhi-NCR: IMD
    Authorities are also urged to implement measures to mitigate the impact of the heatwave...

    Digital Desk: As the scorching summer sun beats down relentlessly, several parts of the country, including Odisha, West Bengal, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, are bracing themselves for heatwave conditions in the coming days, as warned by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

    In response to the extreme weather forecast, the Odisha government has taken proactive measures by announcing the closure of schools from April 18 to 20, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students and staff.

    According to the latest IMD forecast, temperatures are expected to soar in various regions, including parts of Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, North Konkan, Saurashtra, Kutch, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Telangana. Additionally, hot and humid weather conditions are anticipated in Gangetic West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, the Rayalaseema region, coastal Karnataka, Kerala, and Mahe in the days ahead.

    In Odisha, record-breaking temperatures have already been recorded, with the mercury soaring to 43.6 degrees Celsius in some areas. The scorching heat is expected to persist, with temperatures likely to rise gradually by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in many places. A Yellow Alert has been issued for several districts, including Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Balasore, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Khurda, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Nayagarh, and Kandhamal, warning residents to take necessary precautions.

    Similarly, West Bengal is also bracing for heatwave conditions, especially in the southern districts, until April 20. Day temperatures are projected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius, prompting authorities to advise people to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat. Many districts in the southern part of the state are currently experiencing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, expected to remain above normal by three to five notches.

    Meanwhile, in Delhi, temperatures have already touched 35.8 degrees Celsius, with further increases expected in the coming days. However, relief may be on the horizon, as the city anticipates rain after April 18, which is likely to bring down the temperature. IMD's Kuldeep Srivastava predicts a maximum temperature of 38 degrees Celsius on April 18, followed by a drop to 34 degrees Celsius on April 19 due to the expected rainfall.

    As the country braces for the onslaught of sweltering heat, residents must take necessary precautions, such as staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours, and seeking shelter in cool, shaded areas. Authorities are also urged to implement measures to mitigate the impact of the heatwave, ensuring the safety and well-being of the populace during these challenging times.