South India braces for fierce heatwave: These cities will face the worst impact

South India braces for intense heatwaves, with Bengaluru hitting 37.2°C, Telangana facing alerts at 43.5°C, Chennai expecting over 40°C, and Kerala and Andhra Pradesh also preparing for extreme conditions, urging precautions.

With the mercury on a record-breaking spree, Karnataka has reported 521 suspected heatstroke cases and two related deaths - one each from Bagalkot and Kalaburagi - from March 1 to April 3 this year. According to the health department, Chikkaballapura, Bagalkot, Chitradurga and Mandya, which have reported 102, 69, 56 and 54 cases of suspected heatstroke, respectively, are the worst hit.

here is no respite from the heat for the state as mercury levels are high with yellow warning for 11 districts till April 8. IMD has warned that maximum temperatures are very likely to be 2-4 degrees above normal in these districts. It is likely to be around 39°C in Kollam and Palakkad, 38°C in Thrissur and Kozhikode and 37°C in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Kannur districts.

Bengaluru is in the grip of an unprecedented heatwave, with record daytime temperatures and unusually warm nights, hitting 24.5°C and 24.3°C on Monday and Tuesday. This trend of warmer nights, coupled with scorching daytime temperatures, worries meteorologists and health experts due to potential health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

Community organizations, NGOs, and volunteers collaborate to distribute water, offer shelter, and provide support to those in need. Through collective action, Bengaluru residents can overcome heatwave challenges and ensure the community's well-being.

The forecast for Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka suggests temperatures hovering around 37 degrees Celsius with minor fluctuations over the next few days. Additionally, isolated heatwave conditions were observed in North Karnataka.

Hyderabad, including areas like Jummerat Bazar, experiences temperatures surpassing 41°Celsius, indicating the onset of severe heatwave conditions in the city.

The India Meteorological Department issues a heatwave alert for 16 Telangana districts, including Adilabad, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, and others, with temperatures projected to range between 36 to 40°Celsius, underscoring the widespread impact of rising temperatures across these regions.

Chennai is expected to witness temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius in the coming months due to the impact of a weakening El Niño, alongside other factors like global warming and urbanization.

Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, is forecasted to experience above-normal day temperatures between April and June, potentially leading to a six-day heatwave period in coastal regions.

Kerala issued warnings for rising temperatures, particularly in regions such as Thrissur and Palakkad, where temperatures may reach 39-40 degrees Celsius. Precautionary measures are advised to prevent dehydration and excessive sun exposure.

Andhra Pradesh anticipates extreme heat conditions from April to June, with above-normal maximum temperatures expected, especially in Rayalaseema and coastal areas. Below-normal rainfall is also predicted for the state during this period.