“For the month of April 2024, above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country,” IMD said in a press release.
Union minister for Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju urged stakeholders to take precautionary measures in advance due to the dates for the extreme weather and Lok Sabha elections coinciding.
“It is going to be very challenging for all of us. Since we are the most populous country in the world and face extreme weather conditions, it makes it absolutely necessary for India to prepare in advance,” the minister said at a press conference.
“We are anticipated to experience extreme weather conditions in the upcoming two-and-a-half months. This also coincides with the general elections in which around a billion people are expected to exercise their franchise,” he added
The majority of the nation is expected to see above-normal maximum temperatures between April and June, with a high chance over the central and western peninsulas of India, according to director general of IMD Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.
“It is expected that Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha is going to experience heatwave in April, May and June. Heatwaves usually persist for 8-10 days but this time, it is expected to last longer than normal,” Mohapatra said.
“During April to June hot weather season, above normal heatwave days are likely to occur over most parts of south peninsula, central India, east India and plains of northwest India,” the press release by IMD said.
According to the press release, above normal heatwave days are likely over many parts of south peninsula and adjoining northwest central India and some parts of east India and plains of northwest India.
Lok Sabha polls in India will take place in seven phases between April 19 and June 1.
(With inputs from agencies)