The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) has raised alarm bells by issuing a red alert for six districts in the state, indicating an impending severe heatwave with temperatures expected to soar above 46 degrees Celsius. The source cited for this warning is SHAR-ISRO.
Forecast and Temperature Projections
Bagalkote, Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, and Koppal districts are anticipated to experience scorching temperatures ranging from 40 to 46 degrees Celsius between May 1 and May 9, as per KSNDMC’s projections. The monitoring center highlighted that April 30, 2024, witnessed the highest maximum temperature recorded in Karnataka over the past seven years, reaching 45.6 degrees Celsius.
IMD Statement and Weather Analysis
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bengaluru released a statement noting the persistence of a trough/wind discontinuity from southeast Madhya Pradesh to South Interior Karnataka (SIK), across Vidarbha, Marathwada, and North Interior Karnataka (NIK) regions, extending up to 1.5 km above mean sea level. However, IMD clarifies that a severe heat (red) alert is issued only when the actual maximum temperature surpasses 47 degrees Celsius.
Temperature Projections Across Regions
KSNDMC forecasts that maximum temperatures will continue to hover between 40 to 46 degrees Celsius over parts of NIK districts such as Raichur, Kalaburgi, Yadgir, Bellary, and Vijayapura until May 6. Additionally, other NIK districts, most SIK districts, and Dakshina Kannada district are expected to experience temperatures ranging from 40 to 44 degrees Celsius. In contrast, certain districts including parts of Kodagu, Udupi, Hassan, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, and parts of Uttara Kannada districts may see temperatures between 33 and 40 degrees Celsius until May 6.
Relief in Sight: Forecast for Decreasing Temperatures
From May 7 onwards, KSNDMC anticipates a slight relief with maximum temperatures likely to decrease by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius across the state.
Rainfall Patterns and Data Analysis
On the other hand, KSNDMC’s data on realised rainfall across the state indicates isolated rains in six districts, including Haveri, Dharwad, Gadag, Vijayapura, Shivamogga, and Uttara Kannada, while dry or negligible rainfall was observed in 25 districts, including Bengaluru rural and urban, on April 30. Notably, the highest rainfall of 35mm was recorded at Bhogavi in Haveri district.
Overall Rainfall Trends
As per the cumulative rainfall data from January 1 to April 30, coastal Karnataka stands out with an excess of 59% rainfall from the usual, while the rest of Karnataka faces a deficit ranging from 13% to 80%.
Data Compilation and Telemetric Rain Gauge Locations
KSNDMC compiles its data from telemetric rain gauge locations established across the state, providing crucial insights into weather patterns and assisting in disaster management efforts.
