10-20 days of heatwave expected between April-June, warns IMD ahead of Lok Sabha polls

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

New Delhi: The seven-phase Lok Sabha polls season will witness an unprecedented rise in the heatwave in most parts of the country, the India Meteorological Department warned here on Monday.

While above-normal temperatures are likely almost all over the country, 10-20 days of heatwave is expected between April and June in different parts against normal of 4-8 days.

The most heatwave prone areas are Gujarat, central Maharashtra and north Karnataka, followed by Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, north Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

“More heatwave days are expected in an El Nino year. The El Nino (an unusual rise of temperature in the Pacific Ocean with impacts all over the world) is still there in April-May even though it is receding and may become neutral by June,” Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general of meteorology at the IMD told DH.

He said the IMD shared the weather inputs with the Election Commission, when the EC was consulting different agencies before finalising the poll dates.

Last month, the EC announced 46 days of the Parliamentary election process between April 19 and June 1 with results on June 4, making it the longest Lok Sabha polls, eclipsing 2019 (36 days), 2014 (37), 2009 (28) and 2004 (21 days).

In 2019 the voters’ turn out was below 70 per cent in most of the states that currently face the heatwave threats such as Bihar (57 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (59 per cent), Delhi (60 per cent), Maharashtra (61 per cent), Telangana (63 per cent), Gujarat (64 per cent), Rajasthan (66 per cent), Jharkhand (67 per cent) and Karnataka (69 per cent).

Political observers say longer spells of heatwave through April, May and June may have an adverse impact on voter turnout and political parties will have to work harder to get their voters to the booth.

In April, above normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country, especially with high probability over central parts of south India. Normal to below normal maximum temperatures, on the other hand, are likely over some parts of the western Himalayan region and north eastern states.

Above normal heatwave days are likely this month in central India and adjoining areas of northern plains and south India with the occurrence of 2-8 days of heatwave as against the normal of 1-3 days. The most increased heatwave prone areas are Gujarat, Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and west Madhya Pradesh.

IMD Bengaluru Scientist A Prasad said that north interior Karnataka regions like Bagalkot, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Yadgir and Ballari had been witnessing high temperatures due to extreme heatwave conditions in Maharashtra and Telangana regions.

On Monday, Bagalkot was the hottest place in Karnataka as the temperature touched 41.2 degrees Celsius, a departure of 4.3 degrees Celsius above normal temperature. Kalaburagi was the second hottest place, scorching at 40.9 degrees Celsius.

During heatwaves, elevated temperatures pose significant risks, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, says the IMD in a warning note.

But two decades ago, India’s Parliamentary polls period changed from post-monsoon/early winter dates to summer polls when then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee decided to dissolve the Lok Sabha eight months in advance and went for polls in April-May. Subsequently four Lok Sabha polls have been held amidst the heat and dust.

(with inputs from Pavankumar H)