Severe heatwave grips multiple states in India; know why this is happening

A severe heatwave has intensified across several states in India, including Jharkhand, Karnataka, West Bengal, Odisha, and Maharashtra, with temperatures soaring above normal levels. Many regions recorded temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, prompting authorities to issue heatwave warnings and public advisories to ensure safety.

In Jharkhand, seven districts are experiencing extreme temperatures. On Saturday, Chaibasa in West Singhbhum recorded the state's highest temperature at 41 degrees Celsius, which is 7.6 degrees above normal. Other affected areas include Daltonganj (40.7 degrees), Bokaro Thermal (40.1 degrees), and Jamshedpur (40 degrees). The state capital, Ranchi, recorded 37 degrees, 6.1 degrees above usual. Garhwa, Godda, and Pakur were also impacted by high temperatures.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow alert for heatwaves in Seraikela-Kharswan, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Dhanbad, and Bokaro for March 16. If reports are to go by, relief is expected from March 19, with the possibility of rain and thunderstorms.

In North Karnataka, Ainapur Hobli village in Kalaburagi has recorded the state's highest temperature at 42.8 degrees Celsius. Other districts such as Raichur, Bidar, Bagalkote, Yadgir, and Vijayapura also saw temperatures exceeding 40 degrees.

West Bengal’s western districts, including Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Bankura, Paschim Bardhaman, and Birbhum, are experiencing a severe heatwave. In Kolkata, the minimum temperature on Saturday was recorded at 26.3 degrees Celsius, 3.7 degrees above normal, while the maximum temperature reached 34.1 degrees, five degrees above average. The heatwave conditions are expected to persist until March 18. Rain or thundershower is expected after March 20.

Also read: Mumbai makes FASTag mandatory at all toll plazas from April 1

Odisha is also witnessing intense heat, with Jharsuguda already recording 41.8 degrees Celsius on Friday. The IMD has issued heatwave warnings for several districts, including Sambalpur and Mayurbhanj. Other regions such as Angul, Bolangir, and Titlagarh have also recorded temperatures exceeding 40 degrees.

Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region continues to face extreme heat, with Chandrapur recording 41.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday. Other areas, including Bramhapuri, Solapur, and Wardha, also saw temperatures above 41 degrees.

Also read: Telangana: Ancient Mudumal megalithic menhirs enter UNESCO’s Tentative Heritage List

The severe heatwave occurring in the early summer months can be attributed to factors like climate change, local weather patterns, El Niño, urbanization, and deforestation. March to May is typically the pre-monsoon season in India, during which thunderstorms and occasional showers help regulate temperatures. However, if pre-monsoon rainfall is deficient or delayed, it allows heat to accumulate, leading to early heatwave conditions.