IMD Issues Heatwave Alert for Karnataka; Odisha to Get Rain Relief

The IMD has issued a heatwave alert for Karnataka until March 20, with Kalaburgi reaching 42.8°C. Meanwhile, Odisha, which saw extreme heat, is set for relief as rain and thunderstorms are predicted from March 19 to 21. Heatwave conditions persist across parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for northern interior Karnataka, predicting extreme temperatures until March 20. Meanwhile, Odisha, which has been experiencing intense heat, is expected to see relief as rain and thunderstorms are likely to hit several districts from March 19 to 21.

On Tuesday, Kalaburgi recorded a sweltering 42.8°C, making it one of the hottest locations in Karnataka. The IMD had previously forecasted that the region would endure heatwave conditions from March 18 to 20, marking an early onset of summer. While most parts of Karnataka remain under intense heat, some regions like Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, and Chamarajanagar saw light to moderate rain, providing slight relief.

A similar heatwave alert has been issued in Andhra Pradesh, where 58 mandals are expected to experience extreme temperatures. Pedda Devalapuram in Nandyala district reported the highest temperature in the state at 42.7°C, followed closely by Ulindakonda in Kurnool at 42.6°C.

Meanwhile, Odisha has been reeling under heatwave conditions, particularly from March 16 to 18. Boudh district recorded a scorching 43.6°C on March 18, the highest in the country. However, the IMD has predicted rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in several districts, including Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Balasore, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, and Cuttack. The capital city, Bhubaneswar, which recorded a maximum of 34.6°C, is also expected to see some relief.

Also Read: Absconding Accused in Sarpanch Murder Case Allegedly Hiding Among Transgender Persons

Apart from Karnataka and Odisha, heatwave conditions have been reported across Jharkhand, West Bengal, northern Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region. In Jharkhand, seven districts recorded temperatures above 40°C on Sunday.