The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heatwave in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. The alert is valid till May 27. The IMD has also forecast that the monsoon is likely to begin in Kerala from May 31.
According to the IMD, heatwave conditions are likely to prevail over isolated pockets of Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana during the next five days. The maximum temperatures are expected to be above 45 degrees Celsius in some parts of these states.
The orange alert means that authorities should be prepared to deal with a heatwave. People are advised to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, wear loose, light-colored clothing, and drink plenty of water. They should also avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the day.
Meanwhile, the IMD has forecast that the monsoon is likely to reach Kerala on May 31, which is four days ahead of its normal onset date of June 1. The monsoon is crucial for India’s agriculture sector as it provides about 70% of the country’s annual rainfall.
The IMD has predicted that this year’s monsoon will be normal, with rainfall expected to be 98% of the long-period average. However, there is some concern that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could affect the distribution of rainfall and cause delays in planting, which could have an impact on the agriculture sector.
India has a history of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, and droughts. In recent years, the frequency and intensity of these events have increased due to climate change.
To mitigate the effects of climate change, India has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 33-35% below 2005 levels by 2030. The country has also set a target of generating 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
In conclusion, the IMD’s orange alert for heatwave in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana highlights the need for people to take precautions during the hot summer months. The early onset of the monsoon in Kerala is good news for farmers, but the COVID-19 pandemic adds an element of uncertainty to the planting season. India’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources are important steps towards mitigating the effects of climate change.
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Tags: IMD, heatwave, monsoon, Kerala, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, climate change, renewable energy, COVID-19.
