The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for most parts of India from April to June. According to IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mahapatra, a significantly higher number of heatwave days are predicted over parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana. The IMD has also forecast normal to above-normal minimum temperatures over most parts of the country, except for some areas in northeast and northwest India and isolated pockets of the peninsular region.

 

The IMD has advised people to take necessary precautions against heat-related illnesses, such as avoiding direct exposure to the sun, wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting and cotton clothes, drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding strenuous activities during peak hours, and staying indoors as much as possible. The IMD has also urged farmers to take necessary precautions to protect their crops and livestock from the heat.

 

In addition to the heatwave alert, the IMD has predicted normal rainfall in April. While normal to above normal precipitation is expected over most parts of northwest, central, and peninsular region, below normal rain is predicted in east and northeast India.

 

The IMD's warning highlights the need for people to stay safe during the upcoming months of hot weather. By following the recommended precautions, individuals can protect themselves against heat-related illnesses. Similarly, farmers can safeguard their crops and livestock by adopting appropriate irrigation and mulching techniques, and providing shade and water for their livestock.

 

Overall, the IMD's advisory serves as a reminder to take necessary measures to stay healthy and safe during the upcoming hot weather season. By adopting the right precautions and measures, we can ensure a safe and healthy summer. Reference source: TH

 

UPSC Main Exam Question

 

What are the expected temperature trends and weather conditions in India from April to June 2023, as announced by the India Meteorological Department (IMD)? Discuss the precautions that people should take to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses during this time.

 

Answer: According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), most parts of India, except for some areas in the northwest and peninsular region, will experience above-normal maximum temperatures from April to June 2023. A significantly higher number of heatwave days are predicted over parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana. Normal to above-normal minimum temperatures are very likely over most parts of the country, except for some areas in northeast and northwest India and isolated pockets of the peninsular region.

 

The IMD has also predicted normal rainfall in April, with normal to above-normal precipitation expected over most parts of northwest, central and peninsular region, while below normal rain is predicted in east and northeast India. The IMD has advised people to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses, such as avoiding direct exposure to the sun, wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting and cotton clothes, drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding strenuous activities during peak hours and staying indoors as much as possible. The IMD has also urged farmers to take necessary precautions to protect their crops and livestock from the heat.

 

Therefore, it is important for people to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the heat and stay safe during the upcoming months. By following the IMD's guidelines, people can protect themselves from heat-related illnesses and enjoy the summer season safely.