India likely to see above normal maximum temperatures in May, IMD says

NEW DELHI: Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday said that the average minimum temperature in April for East and Northeast India hit a record high of 22 degrees celsius and was the highest since 1901. The IMD attributed this rise to below-average thunderstorm frequency, resulting in warmer temperatures in these regions.

The weather agency also said that above normal maximum temperatures expected in May over most parts of country, except parts of northeast, northwest and central India. Adding that, south Rajasthan, west Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Marathwada, Gujarat are forecasted to experience 5-8 additional heat wave days in the month of May.

IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that the south peninsular India has seen an increase in above-average maximum temperatures since the 1980s.

IMD reported that the average maximum temperature for South Peninsular India in April reached 31 degrees Celsius, marking the second highest since 1901. Prolonged heat wave spell over east, south peninsular India in April due to absence of thunderstorms, persisting anti-cyclone, the IMD added.

The meteorological department in early April had said that India will suffer extreme heat from April to June, with the central and western peninsular regions anticipated to be worst affected.

"For the month of April 2024, above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country," IMD had said in a press release.

Union minister for Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju had urged stakeholders to take precautionary measures in advance due to the dates for the extreme weather and Lok Sabha elections coinciding.

"It is going to be very challenging for all of us. Since we are the most populous country in the world and face extreme weather conditions, it makes it absolutely necessary for India to prepare in advance," the minister said at a press conference.

(With inputs from agencies)
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