India's weather department stated that the country is likely to experience an increased number of heat-wave days than usual between April and June. This forecast could potentially impact agricultural production and hinder government efforts to curb food inflation.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the worst impact of heat waves in April is predicted for Gujarat, Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Odisha, west Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra.
10-20 days of extreme heat
A third consecutive year of heat waves could adversely affect the production of wheat, rapeseed, and chickpeas, leading to a surge in power demand surpassing supply during the summer season. India, the world's second-largest wheat producer, could particularly feel the impact.
According to Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director-general of the India Meteorological Department, various parts of the country may witness 10 to 20 heat-wave days during the April-June period, compared to the usual four to eight days.
Lok Sabha Polls amid intense heatwave
Extreme weather conditions could also influence India's parliamentary election, the largest in the world, scheduled for nearly seven weeks starting from April 19th. With nearly one billion eligible voters, election campaigning has already commenced.
Kiren Rijiju, India's minister for earth sciences, stressed the importance of voters taking necessary precautions in response to the advisories issued regarding heat waves.
"During the election in India, people will come out for election rallies and meetings. There will be heavy activity all across the country," Rijiju said.
The Lok Sabha polls in India will take place in seven phases between April 19 and June 1. Outdoor activities, including campaigning and election rallies, are expected to increase during this period.
“Ten to 20 days of heatwave are expected in different parts of the country, compared to a normal of four to eight days this year,” IMD Director-General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra told reporters in a briefing on Monday.
Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and acute cerebrovascular accidents are among some serious implications of extreme heat. Temperature extremes can also worsen chronic conditions, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and cerebrovascular disease and diabetes-related conditions.
Crops to be affected
In April, the crucial month for winter-sown crops coming to maturity, above-normal maximum temperatures are likely across most parts of the country, said an IMD official.
Most of the wheat harvested during this period is in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, while in northern states, the crop is in the grain formation stage, and the harvesting comes later, he said.
A heat wave curtailed India's wheat production in 2022, forcing it to ban exports.
Power demand usually spikes during the summer season, and to ensure undisrupted supplies, the maintenance schedule of power generation stations has been either deferred or has already been completed, said a government official.
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