Hyderabad: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh issued a heatwave advisory, saying there was no reason for panic over expected May heat conditions and urging people to follow basic precautions.
He said forecasts indicated above-normal temperatures in some regions, while many areas would see normal or below-normal conditions. Therefore, he stressed that impacts could be managed with preparedness and awareness.
The Minister cited India Meteorological Department projections, which showed likely heatwave conditions in parts of the Himalayan foothills, east coast, Gujarat and Maharashtra. However, he clarified that such conditions would not be uniform nationwide.
He added that higher temperatures were expected during the second and fourth weeks of May. Meanwhile, rainfall and cloud cover could moderate temperatures during the first and third weeks.
He said the government had strengthened coordination with states to ensure water supply, cooling arrangements and uninterrupted electricity. Special focus remains on vulnerable groups such as children, elderly people and outdoor workers.
IMD forecast shapes heatwave advisory response
Dr. Jitendra Singh advised citizens to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor exposure during peak hours and monitor official updates. He said improved forecasting systems now enable timely alerts and better response.
He also addressed agricultural concerns, noting that conditions remained favourable for harvesting late Rabi crops in northern regions. However, he cautioned that localised heat stress could affect some summer crops in southern and northeastern areas.
Farmers were advised to work during cooler hours and ensure proper irrigation and livestock care. He added that ENSO-neutral conditions currently prevail, with El Niño likely to develop during the monsoon.
The Minister reiterated that accurate interpretation of forecasts and adherence to guidelines would help minimise health risks. He urged the public to rely only on official sources and avoid unnecessary alarm.
