Extreme heat likely from April to June; central, western parts to see worst impact: IMD

Even as India gets set to hold its mega seven-phase general elections, the country's citizens have to battle with extreme heat during the April to June period, with the central and western peninsular parts expected to face the worst impact. This announcement was made by the IMD on April 1.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) director general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country during the April-June period, with a high probability over central and western peninsular India.

Normal to below-normal maximum temperatures are likely over some parts of the western Himalayan region, north-eastern states and north Odisha, he said.

Heat wave

Above-normal heatwave days are likely over most parts in the plains during this period. Ten to 20 days of heat wave are expected in different parts of the country against a normal of four to eight days, he said.

Gujarat, central Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, north Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh are likely to experience the worst impact of heat waves, Mohapatra said.

Above-normal heatwave days are likely over many areas in central India and the adjoining areas of the northern plains and south India in April, the weather office said.

Two to eight days of heat wave are expected in these regions against a normal of one to three days, according to Mohapatra.

Above normal maximum temperatures

Above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country in April, with a high probability over central south India.

Normal to below-normal maximum temperatures are likely over some parts of the western Himalayan region and the northeastern states in April, the IMD said.

The Lok Sabha polls in India will take place in seven phases between April 19 and June 1.

(With input from agencies)