May forecast predicts numerous heatwave days across India
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As April witnessed a prolonged and intense heat wave in various parts of east, northeast, and southern peninsular India, the government warns of above-normal maximum temperatures and a significantly high number of heat wave days expected in May.
According to Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the director of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the scorching temperatures experienced in April are likely to persist into May, particularly impacting regions such as the northern plains, central India, and adjoining areas of peninsular India.
While rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms brought relief to north and central India due to five active Western Disturbances in April, the IMD data reveals that heat waves in April this year surpassed those of 2023, the warmest year on record.
The forecast predicts around eight to 11 heat wave days in regions like south Rajasthan, west Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Gujarat. Additionally, five to seven heat wave days are expected in parts of Rajasthan, east Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and other regions.
The IMD also anticipates above-normal maximum temperatures across most parts of the country in May, except for some areas in northeast India and parts of northwest and central India where normal to below-normal temperatures are expected.
While normal rainfall is forecasted for the country in May, with normal to above-normal precipitation likely in certain regions, below-normal rainfall is anticipated in other parts of the country.
Mohapatra attributes the prolonged heat wave spell in April to the absence of thunderstorms and the presence of a persisting anticyclone over the west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining eastern coasts of India.
The IMD underscores the significance of considering weather conditions and climate in planning, particularly in light of the Central government's contemplation of the 'one nation, one poll' concept.
As the country prepares for the Lok Sabha elections amid these weather challenges, the Election Commission has established a task force comprising officials from various agencies to review the impact of the heatwave and ensure the safety of voters.