Heat wave conditions likely across Telangana

The summer, which has already become quite severe, is all set to turn worse, with heat wave conditions expected in different parts of the State.

According to Regional Meteorological Centre, Hyderabad, the heat wave conditions were likely to prevail in the State from the first week of May, with the temperatures hovering between 45 degree Celsius and 47 degree Celsius.

A heat wave occurs when the departure of the maximum temperature from normal is plus 4.5 degree Celsius to 6.5 degree Celsius, which is more than 45 degree Celsius. If the temperatures go beyond 47 degree Celsius, the heat waves are categorised as ‘severe’. Dr. K. Naga Ratna, Scientist-E & Head, Regional Meteorological Centre, said districts such as Karimnagar, Khammam, Adilabad and Nalgonda were most prone to heat waves.

There is a possibility of normal to slightly above normal heat wave conditions in the State,” she



said. According to Met department data, the State had heat wave conditions for 44 days last year. Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy had heat waves for one day, while Medchal-Malkajgiri had similar conditions for three days. Officials advised people to take the heat waves/hot weather seriously and ensure safety measures.

“Heat waves are silent killers and no one can predict the impact unless they are hit by a sun stroke,” officials said. The State’s highest temperature was recorded in Bhadrachalam in 1973, at 48.6 degree Celsius, while Hyderabad registered its highest temperature of 45.5 degree Celsius in 1966.

Meanwhile, parts of the city saw temperatures hovering over 40 degree Celsius, while districts such as Jagtial, Nalgonda, Karimnagar, Suryapet and Adilabad recorded temperatures of 41 degree Celsius, according to the Telangana State Development Planning Society.