Three states, including West Bengal, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh, are under an orange alert from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). In addition, the weather service has forecast heatwave conditions for four additional states: Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Sikkim.
An orange signal indicates that high temperatures are anticipated, and prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of heat-related illnesses. IMD advises taking plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty, ORS (oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte replenishment), and homemade beverages like lassi, torani, lemon water, etc. in locations where an orange alert has been issued.
Between April 18 and April 20, IMD predicts isolated to scattered rainfall over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Rajasthan. across the meantime, severe rain is expected today and next week across Himachal Pradesh as well as over Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad.
When discussing the country's weather, IMD Director General M. Mohapatra stated, "When the winds blow from the eastern side or from the direction of the Bay of Bengal then there is some clouding at times which bring down temperatures across the eastern states. But over east India, which is geographically located where humidity levels are somewhat higher, scorching, dry winds from the northwest are blowing. Therefore, residents of the eastern states must take proper precautions against the heat.
In addition, Mohapatra notes that heatwaves become deadly when they are accompanied by humid weather conditions. Additionally, he mentioned that humidity charts will start to be offered starting this season by the weather agency.
Mahesh Palawat, vice president of Skymet, commented on the country's humidity while discussing the high temperatures over Eastern India: "Temperatures are very high over Eastern India, but humidity is still relatively low compared to June and July, and because winds are from the northwest. However, the relative humidity levels we are currently experiencing can also cause pain and heat exhaustion. When easterly winds and corresponding temperatures are present, they can be severe or lethal.
While the Tripura government instructed schools to resume early morning classes, the governments of West Bengal and Odisha ordered schools to be closed on Monday.
On April 17, the weather service published a list of the warmest cities in India. On the list were Jayashankar Bhupalpalli from Telangana, Sultanpur, Prayagraj, Jhansi, Kanpur, and Agra from Uttar Pradesh, as well as Supaul, Patna, and East Champaran from Bihar and Bhatinda from Punjab.
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