New Delhi, May 2 (IANS). Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh said on Saturday that there is no need to panic about the possible heat wave in May. He said that unnecessary reaction can be avoided by following the predictions of the Meteorological Department (IMD) and general precautions.
According to an official statement, parts of southern Peninsular India, Northeast and North-West India may witness above normal temperatures and heatwave (heatwave) conditions. However, most parts of the country are likely to experience normal or below normal temperatures.
Dr Singh appealed to people to drink enough water, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight during the hottest part of the day and take care of the vulnerable people around them. He said health risks can be reduced by following IMD’s daily updates and impact-based forecasts.
He said that minimum temperatures are also likely to be above normal in many areas, as per the latest monthly and extended period reports of IMD.
The minister said that the heatwave situation can be effectively controlled by timely preparation and following the advice of the meteorological department.
According to the IMD, heatwave conditions are likely over the Himalayan regions, parts of the east coast (Odisha, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu), Gujarat and Maharashtra. In these areas, heat wave may last 2-4 days more than normal.
Temperatures are likely to remain high in the second and fourth weeks of May, due to which the heat conditions may become more severe in North-West, Central and West India and parts of the East Coast.
The minister also said that the rise in night temperatures over some time may also increase the heat problem, especially in urban and coastal areas. Hot and humid weather is likely over the East Coast, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
He said the current conditions are generally favorable for harvesting of Rabi crops in North and North-West India.
However, crops like paddy (boro), maize and pulses may be affected due to heat in parts of South and Northeast India.
Farmers have been advised to do field work in the morning and evening, do light and regular irrigation and adopt animal safety measures.
The minister said that the government is fully prepared to deal with heat-related situations. Coordinated efforts are being made at the state and district levels to ensure availability of drinking water, cooling facilities and uninterrupted supply of electricity, especially to children, elderly and people working outside.
–IANS
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