A severe heatwave has intensified across several states in India, including Jharkhand, Karnataka, West Bengal, Odisha, and Maharashtra with temperatures soaring well above the normal levels.
As the mercury crosses 40°C in multiple regions, authorities have issued warnings and advisories to ensure public safety.
Jharkhand faces intense heat
In Jharkhand, the temperature in seven districts has crossed the 40°C mark. On Saturday, Chaibasa in West Singhbhum district recorded the highest temperature in the state at 41°C, which is 7.6°C above the normal.
Other areas such as Daltonganj (40.7°C), Bokaro Thermal (40.1°C), and Jamshedpur (40°C) also saw extreme temperatures. Ranchi, the state capital, recorded 37°C, which is 6.1°C higher than usual. Garhwa, Godda, and Pakur were also under the grip of intense heat.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow alert for heatwaves in Seraikela-Kharswan, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Dhanbad, and Bokaro for March 16. However, a respite is expected from March 19, with the IMD predicting rain and thunderstorms, which will bring down the temperature.
Rising temperatures in Karnataka
North Interior Karnataka is also experiencing scorching temperatures, with Ainapur Hobli village in Kalaburagi recording the highest temperature in the last 24 hours at 42.8°C. Other districts such as Raichur, Bidar, Bagalkote, Yadgir, and Vijayapura saw temperatures above 40°C.
In response, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao urged people to take precautions, particularly advising against venturing outdoors between 12 pm and 3 pm.
The IMD predicts temperatures will rise further by 2-4°C between March 15-17, with a heatwave warning for parts of the state on March 18-19.
West Bengal faces sweltering heat
In West Bengal, a severe heatwave has gripped the western districts, particularly Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Bankura, Paschim Bardhaman, and Birbhum.
On Saturday, Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 26.3°C, which is 3.7°C higher than normal, while the maximum temperature reached 34.1°C, five degrees above average.
The IMD predicts that this heatwave will continue until March 18, with dry weather expected in the southern and western parts of the state. However, relief is expected after March 20, with the possibility of rain or thundershowers.
Odisha struggles with heatwave conditions
Neighbouring Odisha is also facing intense heat, with the industrial town of Jharsuguda reaching a scorching 41.8°C on Friday.
The IMD has issued heatwave warnings for several districts, including Sambalpur and Mayurbhanj, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in places such as Angul, Bolangir, and Titlagarh.
Heat soars in Maharashtra
Maharashtra, particularly the Vidarbha region, is also enduring an extended heatwave, with temperatures consistently soaring above normal since early February.
On Saturday, Chandrapur recorded 41.4°C, making it one of the hottest places in India.
Other areas like Bramhapuri, Solapur, and Wardha also recorded temperatures over 41°C. The heatwave is coupled with low humidity, intensifying the discomfort. Many areas in Vidarbha are seeing temperatures 3-6°C above normal.
No immediate relief is expected, and the heat is set to continue in the coming days.
Advice for public safety
With heatwaves affecting vast regions, authorities have issued several advisories. People are urged to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, drink plenty of fluids, wear light, breathable clothing, and take breaks in cool areas.
These measures are vital to prevent heat-related illnesses, which are common during extreme temperature conditions.
As the heatwave continues, the public is encouraged to stay informed and prepared for the upcoming changes in weather. Moreover, vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with health conditions, have been advised to stay indoors, stay hydrated, and avoid exposure to the sun.
As the mercury crosses 40°C in multiple regions, authorities have issued warnings and advisories to ensure public safety.
Jharkhand faces intense heat
In Jharkhand, the temperature in seven districts has crossed the 40°C mark. On Saturday, Chaibasa in West Singhbhum district recorded the highest temperature in the state at 41°C, which is 7.6°C above the normal.
Other areas such as Daltonganj (40.7°C), Bokaro Thermal (40.1°C), and Jamshedpur (40°C) also saw extreme temperatures. Ranchi, the state capital, recorded 37°C, which is 6.1°C higher than usual. Garhwa, Godda, and Pakur were also under the grip of intense heat.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow alert for heatwaves in Seraikela-Kharswan, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Dhanbad, and Bokaro for March 16. However, a respite is expected from March 19, with the IMD predicting rain and thunderstorms, which will bring down the temperature.
Rising temperatures in Karnataka
North Interior Karnataka is also experiencing scorching temperatures, with Ainapur Hobli village in Kalaburagi recording the highest temperature in the last 24 hours at 42.8°C. Other districts such as Raichur, Bidar, Bagalkote, Yadgir, and Vijayapura saw temperatures above 40°C.
In response, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao urged people to take precautions, particularly advising against venturing outdoors between 12 pm and 3 pm.
The IMD predicts temperatures will rise further by 2-4°C between March 15-17, with a heatwave warning for parts of the state on March 18-19.
West Bengal faces sweltering heat
In West Bengal, a severe heatwave has gripped the western districts, particularly Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Bankura, Paschim Bardhaman, and Birbhum.
On Saturday, Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 26.3°C, which is 3.7°C higher than normal, while the maximum temperature reached 34.1°C, five degrees above average.
The IMD predicts that this heatwave will continue until March 18, with dry weather expected in the southern and western parts of the state. However, relief is expected after March 20, with the possibility of rain or thundershowers.
Odisha struggles with heatwave conditions
Neighbouring Odisha is also facing intense heat, with the industrial town of Jharsuguda reaching a scorching 41.8°C on Friday.
The IMD has issued heatwave warnings for several districts, including Sambalpur and Mayurbhanj, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in places such as Angul, Bolangir, and Titlagarh.
Heat soars in Maharashtra
Maharashtra, particularly the Vidarbha region, is also enduring an extended heatwave, with temperatures consistently soaring above normal since early February.
On Saturday, Chandrapur recorded 41.4°C, making it one of the hottest places in India.
Other areas like Bramhapuri, Solapur, and Wardha also recorded temperatures over 41°C. The heatwave is coupled with low humidity, intensifying the discomfort. Many areas in Vidarbha are seeing temperatures 3-6°C above normal.
No immediate relief is expected, and the heat is set to continue in the coming days.
Advice for public safety
With heatwaves affecting vast regions, authorities have issued several advisories. People are urged to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, drink plenty of fluids, wear light, breathable clothing, and take breaks in cool areas.
These measures are vital to prevent heat-related illnesses, which are common during extreme temperature conditions.
As the heatwave continues, the public is encouraged to stay informed and prepared for the upcoming changes in weather. Moreover, vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with health conditions, have been advised to stay indoors, stay hydrated, and avoid exposure to the sun.
