Heatwave Scorches East and South India, Record Temperatures Persist

New Delhi, May 3 – The record-breaking heatwave spell affecting east India and parts of the southern peninsular region continued unabated on Friday, with temperatures settling above 44 degrees Celsius in at least 13 places. Intensely hot conditions prevailed in parts of Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the ongoing heatwave spell in east and south peninsular India will persist until May 5-6 and abate thereafter. The Met office also forecasted significantly high temperatures in several regions, with above-normal maximum temperatures expected in May. April witnessed extreme heat across various states, leading to health advisories and disruptions in school schedules. Heat waves this April were far worse than last year, and a similar trend is anticipated in May with an increase in heatwave days in specific regions. The IMD attributed the prolonged heatwave spell to specific meteorological conditions, which are likely to persist in the coming weeks. As India faces prolonged heatwaves, authorities are on high alert to safeguard against the impact on public health and infrastructure.