Centre asks states to ready for heatwave as temp soars

Temperatures are already 4-8 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages in many regions

- Priyanka Sharma & Vijay C. Roy

Parts of northwest and central India are already under heatwave watch, with conditions expected to persist over the coming days.

(HT)

An early and harsher-than-usual start to summer has prompted the Centre to ask states to step up heatwave preparedness, with temperatures already running 4-8 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages in several regions, according to two government officials and documents reviewed by Mint.

The directive comes as parts of northwestern, central and eastern India report daytime highs crossing 44°C, raising the risk of heat-related illnesses and potential disruption to economic activity if extreme conditions persist.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heatwave conditions are very likely in the next 24 hours in states including Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, as well as parts of central and peninsular India.

India's official weather forecaster defines a heatwave as temperatures at least 4.5°C above normal, with higher departures classified as severe.