Bengaluru, 2 April

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for parts of Karnataka, with temperatures expected to reach highs between 40 and 50 degree Celsius until 5 April. Dry weather is also expected to persist throughout this period.

A Prasad, an IMD official told Salar News “We are anticipating maximum temperatures exceeding the historical averages by a significant margin. The temperatures in Bengaluru however, will not reach that level.” The heatwave is particularly concerning for coastal and north interior region, he said.

While Bengaluru is expected to experience slightly cooler temperatures around 35 to 36 degree Celsius in the next 24 hours, other parts of the State are forecast to see significant increases. Districts including Belagavi, Bidar, Gadag, Dharwad, Haveri, and Raichur could see maximum temperatures, while Bengaluru Rural, Davanagere, Hassan, Kolar, Mandya, and Mysuru districts could see a 2 to 3 degree Celsius increase. Bagalkot currently holds the record for the state's highest temperature at 41.2 degree Celsius.

However, IMD has predicted light rainfall in several districts starting 6 April in isolated places over Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Bidar, Kalaburgi, Kodagu, Mandya, Mysuru districts of Karnataka.

Doctors have advised certain measures that people can take during this season. Lalitha Bhatati, a senior BBMP health officer said, “Problems like heatstroke, dehydration and even heart attacks can occur. The main resolution to this heatwave is the consumption of water and other liquids. In addition, fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of water in it.”