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TFP Bureau, New Delhi; April 2, 2024: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has released its updated seasonal outlook for the hot weather season (April to June) 2024, indicating the likelihood of above-normal maximum temperatures across most parts of the country. Addressing the media at Mahika Hall, Prithvi Bhawan, New Delhi, Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director-General of IMD, highlighted key projections and emphasized the need for preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of heatwaves.
During the press conference, Dr. Mohapatra revealed that the upcoming hot weather season is expected to witness above-normal maximum temperatures over central India and the western peninsular region, with normal to below-normal temperatures forecasted for certain pockets of the western Himalayan region, Northeast states, and north Odisha.
Key highlights from the temperature outlook for April to June 2024 include:
– Above-normal maximum temperatures projected for most parts of the country, except for some regions in east and northeast India, and pockets of northwest India.
– Normal to above-normal minimum temperatures anticipated across most parts of India, with exceptions in isolated areas of northeast and northwest India.
– Above-normal heatwave days expected during the hot weather season, particularly over south peninsula, central India, east India, and plains of northwest India.
Regarding rainfall, Dr. Mohapatra mentioned that April 2024 is likely to witness normal to above-normal rainfall over most parts of northwest India and many parts of central India, north peninsular India, and some regions of east and northeast India. However, below-normal rainfall is predicted along the east and west coasts and certain areas of east and northeast India.
In response to the anticipated heatwave conditions, Dr. Mohapatra emphasized the importance of proactive measures to safeguard public health and infrastructure. He highlighted the vulnerability of certain population groups, such as the elderly and children, to heat-related illnesses, and stressed the need for cooling centers, heat advisories, and urban heat island mitigation strategies.
Shri Kamal Kishore, Member and Head of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), shared insights into preparedness measures, including the issuance of heat action plans for 23 heatwave-prone states and Union Territories (UTs), awareness campaigns, and coordination with various sectors to mitigate heatwave impacts.
With preparations underway to address the challenges posed by the upcoming hot weather season, authorities are focused on ensuring the well-being of citizens and minimizing the adverse effects of heatwaves on agriculture, health, and infrastructure.
