April brought unprecedented heat to South India and East/Northeast India, making it the second hottest April on record for the southern region and witnessing the highest average mean temperature in 51 years for the eastern and northeastern parts, according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This blistering heat wave has shattered records and left its mark on major cities such as Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
Southern Sizzle:
- The southern region experienced an average maximum temperature of nearly 37.2 degrees Celsius throughout April, narrowly missing the record set in April 2016.
- Bengaluru, known for its moderate climate, faced its hottest April ever, enduring 13 extremely hot days, including a stretch of six consecutive days of extreme heat.
Eastern Escalation:
- Eastern India witnessed equally severe conditions, with the average mean temperature reaching its highest level since 1973.
- Night temperatures soared to unprecedented heights in April.
- States like Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar bore the brunt of the intense heat, with Kolkata recording its highest April temperature in history at a scorching 43 degrees Celsius.
- Other areas, such as Kalaikunda in Bengal and Baharagora in Jharkhand, crossed the alarming 47-degree mark, signaling a severe heatwave.
Odisha’s Ordeal:
- Odisha, categorized under central India by the IMD, endured a relentless heatwave for 16 consecutive days, marking one of the longest spells of extreme heat in the state’s history.
- The persistence of El Nino in the Pacific Ocean contributed to above-normal temperatures in South India, while an anti-cyclonic circulation in the central Bay of Bengal hindered sea breezes from reaching Eastern India, intensifying the heatwave.
What’s Ahead:
- The IMD predicts that the heatwave will persist in Eastern India until May 2 and is expected to continue in the southern region for at least another five days.
- This relentless heat underscores the urgent need for measures to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events and adapt to changing climate patterns.
As temperatures soar to unprecedented levels, communities and authorities must prioritize strategies to cope with and combat the effects of extreme heat.
