The country is anticipated to experience extreme heatwave conditions in the upcoming two and half months. Briefing media in New Delhi today, Union Minister for Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju said, he had a useful meeting with stakeholders in view of the upcoming elections amid the prediction for extreme heat. He informed that all stakeholders, including state governments, have made elaborate preparations in this regard. Mr Rijiju said, it is going to be very challenging for all as India is the most populous country in the world and in view of extreme weather conditions, it makes it absolutely necessary to prepare in advance. He said, the extreme condition is coinciding with the general elections in which around a billion people are expected to exercise their franchise.

Director General of India Meteorological Department IMD Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra forecast a longer number of heat wave days this summer in many areas of central, northern plains and southern part of the country. He said, the maximum temperature between April and June is likely to remain above normal. Dr Mohapatra 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. He said, in the current month, above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country. However, isolated pockets of east, northeast and northwest India are likely to experience normal to below-normal maximum temperatures.

Member of National Disaster Management Authority Kamal Kishore said, NDMA is regularly interacting with States and UTs on Heatwave. He said, awareness is key to completely eliminate heatwave related deaths.