India Heatwave: Why Are Southern Indian States Experiencing Higher-Than-Normal Temperatures This Month?

The present weather is consistent with an extreme heatwave for the majority of the nation. A number of states in eastern and southern India have been placed on red alert this week, and the extreme heat is killing an increasing number of people, particularly the elderly. There are whispers that the temperatures are far higher than usual, despite our natural desire to dismiss this as summer’s passing fever.

Extreme Heatwave Conditions
Intense heatwave conditions are expected to persist throughout eastern and southern India for the next five days, according to a severe warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday. However, several regions of the country—especially the South Peninsula of India—are seeing considerably higher-than-average temperatures for this time of year despite the relentless heat.

South India’s Broken Records
The heatwave has shattered records for warmth in several areas. The second-highest temperature ever recorded in Kottayam was 38.5°C, while the fourth-highest temperature ever recorded in Palakkad was 41.6°C, according to reports. Alappuzha, Kerala, recorded 38°C, the highest April temperatures ever recorded. Kurnool reached 45.2°C, the third-highest temperature ever, while Arogyavaram in Andhra recorded 41.0°C, the second-highest temperature ever. With a scorching 38.5°C, Bengaluru, in Karnataka, registered its third and fourth-highest April temperatures ever. In addition, the second-highest temperature ever recorded was 41.2°C in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu.

Temperature at Midday Exceeds Average
Furthermore, the noon mercury readings in the majority of these states’ districts seem to be three to five points higher than usual. A lengthy heat wave is predicted for the area, which should persist at least till May 4. Areas of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka’s interior regions, and Rayalaseema are predicted to experience heatwave or severe heatwave conditions. The next few days are predicted to be hot and humid in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Direction Shift in the Wind
Experts surmise that two of the climatic factors causing the extreme heat are an anticyclonic flow and a shift in wind direction. According to climate expert M. Rajeevan, the heatwave is expected to spread to central and northwest India by May. He states that the pre-monsoon season and the current El Niño year are the main culprits and issues a warning that high temperatures are expected to hit parts of India over the next four to five days. The lack of sea breezes across eastern and peninsular India due to the anticyclonic flow is one of the primary reasons for the heatwave, according to M. Mohapatra, Director General of the IMD.

The heat index, which is determined by adding the air temperature and humidity, is expected to surge to 40–50°C, with some locations perhaps experiencing as high as 60°C in certain parts of the peninsular south and even east India. Many seats are anticipated to be included in Phase 3 of the Lok Sabha elections, and voters and campaigners may find it challenging to handle the present heat wave. It’s essential to recognize the heat and take the necessary precautions to prevent heat strokes. Remaining cool and hydrated would be the first step in doing this.