MeT department issues warning for scorching heat wave in Uttarakhand from April 17
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heat wave conditions in the plains of Uttarakhand between April 17 and 19, with mercury likely to settle around 40 degrees Celsius at a few places.
According to MeT, the south-easterly wind blowing in lower levels over parts of northwest India from April 14 onwards will bring hot and humid air mass over the region, causing heat wave conditions in Uttarakhand and other states.
Temperatures likely to rise by 5 to 7 degrees above normal
Dehradun meteorological centre director Bikram Singh said, “Under the influence of current meteorological conditions, maximum temperature is likely to increase by at least 5-7 degrees above normal in Uttarakhand from April 17 onwards. Heat wave conditions are expected to prevail in the plains from April 17 and likely to continue for the next 72 hours.”
In the plains, the maximum is likely to settle between 39-41 degrees, while it is likely to hover around 29-31 degrees in the hills.
Meanwhile, the Dehradun MeT department has issued an advisory, asking people to take precautionary measures to deal with sweltering heat. “People should avoid direct exposure, especially in afternoon,” said Bikram Singh. Moreover, the farmers have also been advised to harvest their ready/ripe crops and irrigate the standing crops as per requirements.
Besides, high temperature creates conducive condition for fire in forests and in urban areas; thus, the departments concerned have been advised to take necessary precautionary steps.
