IMD Issues Heatwave Alerts for Mumbai and Neighbouring Districts, Residents Urged to Take Precautions

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave warnings for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad districts in Maharashtra from April 27 to April 29, according to a report. IMD scientist Sushma Nair stated that the heatwave is attributed to an anticyclonic circulation expected to raise temperatures in these areas.

A heatwave is officially recognized when temperatures reach at least 40 degrees Celsius in plains, 37 degrees in coastal areas, and 30 degrees in hilly regions, with a departure from normal of at least 4.5 notches. If the departure exceeds 6.4 notches, it’s classified as a severe heatwave.

This is the second heatwave alert issued for Mumbai and its neighbouring regions in April. Earlier, on April 15 and 16, temperatures soared as high as 41 degrees Celsius in some areas, prompting an orange alert for “severe hot weather.”

The IMD advised residents to take precautions such as avoiding prolonged heat exposure, staying hydrated, wearing light-colored, loose cotton clothes, and scheduling strenuous activities during cooler times of the day.

The IMD also predicted an increase in heatwave days across the country in April, with certain regions expected to face over 20 days of scorching conditions. The intense heat poses risks to power grids and may lead to water shortages, particularly in areas heavily reliant on the monsoon.

With the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections overlapping with the heatwave period, concerns have been raised about the impact of hot weather on voting turnout and general health. Voting began on April 19 and is expected to continue in phases through April and May, with counting scheduled for June 4.