As temperatures soar across North Interior Karnataka, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a further rise between March 15 and 19, prompting the state government to issue a heat advisory. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has urged residents to take necessary precautions, limit outdoor activities, and stay hydrated to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Temperature Spike in North Karnataka
In the past 24 hours, Ainapur Hobli village in Kalaburagi district recorded the highest temperature at 42.8°C. Speaking at an event in Raichur, the health minister expressed concern over the rising heat levels, noting that temperatures in the district have reached 43 to 44°C. He also mentioned that the government is considering revising working hours for government offices, advising officials to avoid field visits during peak afternoon hours and schedule work in the morning or evening.
Precautions for Schools and Public Institutions
Schools and educational institutions have been urged to implement safety measures to protect students and staff from the scorching heat. Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and maintaining a proper diet to prevent dehydration and heatstroke. He assured the public that government hospitals are fully equipped to handle heat-related medical emergencies.
IMD’s Heatwave Warning
The IMD forecast predicts that maximum temperatures in North Interior Karnataka will rise by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius between March 15 and 17. A heatwave warning has also been issued for isolated areas on March 18 and 19.
On the other hand, South Interior Karnataka is not expected to experience significant temperature changes in the next 24 hours. However, a gradual rise of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius is anticipated in the coming days.
Extreme heat has also been recorded in parts of Bagalkote and Belagavi. Additionally, other districts such as Tumakuru, Ballari, Gadag, Koppala, Uttara Kannada, Vijayanagara, Chikkaballapura, and Mysuru have witnessed temperature spikes in isolated locations.
Temperature Analysis and Outlook
A comparative IMD analysis found that isolated areas in North Interior Karnataka recorded significantly higher-than-normal temperatures, with some locations experiencing a 3.1 to 5.0°C increase. Meanwhile, parts of North and South Interior Karnataka, along with Coastal Karnataka, recorded moderately above-normal temperatures, exceeding usual levels by 1.6 to 3.0°C.
In most other parts of Karnataka, temperatures remained close to normal, fluctuating within a -1.5 to 1.5°C range.
Government’s Appeal
In light of the heatwave conditions, the Karnataka government has advised people to:
- Stay indoors between 12 PM and 3 PM
- Keep hydrated and avoid dehydration
- Use protective gear like hats and sunglasses when outdoors
- Ensure proper ventilation in homes and workplaces
The IMD and KSNDMC continue to monitor the situation, and further heatwave alerts may be issued in the coming days.
Sources By Agencies