As scorching temperatures persist across multiple states in India, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a thunderstorm alert for West Bengal. Regions including Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Jharkhand continue to experience severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures soaring above average levels.
According to IMD reports, Gangetic West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Telangana are currently facing maximum temperatures three to five degrees Celsius higher than usual. Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh recorded the country's highest temperature at 46 degrees Celsius for the third consecutive day.
The heatwave conditions are expected to persist in Rajasthan, with temperatures likely to rise by two to three degrees Celsius. IMD forecasts "light" to "moderate" rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in several states including Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and Karnataka from May 5 to May 9.
In Kerala, IMD has issued a yellow alert for 12 out of 14 districts due to high temperatures and humidity expected to persist until May 6. Maximum temperatures are predicted to reach around 39 degrees Celsius in some districts.
The Election Commission has responded to the heatwave conditions in Telangana by extending polling hours for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on May 13. Polling hours have been adjusted to run from 7 am to 6 pm. Political parties also have adapted to the extreme heat by shifting campaign activities to early mornings or evenings.
The unusually high temperatures experienced in April in eastern, northeastern, and southern India have prompted health warnings and precautionary measures, including the suspension of in-person classes in some states.
Looking ahead, IMD forecasts thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds in several parts of southern Bengal from May 5. The maximum temperature in the region is expected to decrease by two to three degrees Celsius over the next few days. Fishermen have been urged not to enter the Bay of Bengal between May 6 and May 7.
Additionally, heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds is predicted over northeast India on May 5, according to the meteorological department. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and urging residents to stay updated on weather advisories and safety measures.
