The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the number of heatwave days in May 2024 is likely to be above normal in various parts of the country. This prediction comes as eastern India, including West Bengal and Odisha, experienced its hottest April on record. The mean temperature in eastern India was 28.12 Celsius in April, the warmest since records began in 1901. According to reports, nine people have lost their lives in the heatwave. Notably, Kerala also flagged heatwaves, a rare occurrence for the southern state. The coastal state of Andhra Pradesh, which usually witnesses the onset of monsoon from the South West Monsoon winds, recorded two deaths due to soaring temperatures.
The IMD has predicted a normal monsoon, with more showers in the second half of the season (August and September) than in June and July.
