Amid heat advisory, voters urged to take precaution

Panaji: As the state goes to polls for the Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heat advisory for Goa. Hot and humid weather conditions are likely in isolated pockets on May 7. With dry weather expected and maximum temperatures forecast to soar between 33 and 35 degrees celsius, voters are being cautioned to prepare for the scorching conditions.

Officials from both state and central agencies have been alerted of the potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures, particularly during the peak hours from 11am to 3pm.

During these peak hours, the likelihood of heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps and heat rash increases significantly. Dehydration is also a concern, with dry grass posing an additional risk of fire hazards in certain areas.

While the heat may be tolerable for the public, vulnerable groups including infants, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses are urged to take extra care. The IMD has issued a set of recommendations to minimise the impact of the heat wave.

With voter turnout expected to be high on election day, authorities are urging voters to prioritise their health and well-being by adhering to these guidelines.

The IMD forecast also says that the weather is very likely to be dry on May 8. However, soon after, Goans are likely to get mild relief from the sweltering weather. Light rain is likely at isolated places from May 9 to 12.

The reason for this rainfall is being attributed to the fact that temperatures have cooled down compared to the last few days, accompanied by higher relative humidities, creating favourable conditions for pre-monsoon rainfall.

“These types of conditions are conducive for the pre-monsoon rainfall,” said meteorologist and former scientist at the National Institute of Oceanography, MR Ramesh Kumar. “Adding to the weather condition is the moisture near the Arabian Sea due to the warming of the sea,” he added.

No large change in maximum temperature for the next five days according to the forecast.