Posted by New Delhi: As India grapples with scorching temperatures, the Election Commission (EC) has extended poll timings in some assembly segments of four parliamentary constituencies in Bihar amid the heatwave. Initially set from 7 am to 4 pm, polling hours in Banka, Madhepura, Khagaria, and Munger Lok Sabha constituencies have been extended by two hours, now spanning from 7 am to 6 pm.
The extension applies to select polling stations within these constituencies, while others will maintain the original polling hours of 7 am to 4 pm. This decision follows a request from the Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar, aiming to facilitate increased voter participation amidst the challenging weather conditions.
State-wise heatwave forecast by IMD
State
Forecast
Bihar
Heatwave for next 4 days; polling hours extended
Odisha
Intense heatwave
West Bengal
Severe heatwave
Jharkhand
Heatwave for four days
Andhra Pradesh
Heatwave for four days
Telangana
Heatwave for four days
Uttar Pradesh
Heatwave, temperatures up to 42°C from April 25-28
Arunachal Pradesh
Possibility of light rain
Assam
Sporadic rain from April 25-28
Meghalaya
Light rainfall expected
Nagaland
Light rain anticipated
Manipur
Chance of sporadic rainfall
Mizoram
Possibility of light rain
Tripura
Sporadic rainfall predicted
Maharashtra
Light rain forecasted till April 27
Marathwada
Expected to receive light rainfall
Vidarbha
Light rain anticipated
Chhattisgarh
Light rainfall expected
Karnataka
Possibility of light rain till April 27
Odisha and West Bengal
In Odisha, the capital city of Bhubaneswar recorded temperatures exceeding 43 degrees Celsius for the second consecutive day on April 24. Bhubaneswar and Nuapada recorded the state’s highest temperature at 43.2 degrees Celsius. The IMD predicts a further rise in temperatures by 2-4 degrees Celsius over the next few days, issuing warnings for several districts.
Meanwhile, Southern West Bengal is experiencing severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures expected to rise further in the coming days. The IMD has advised residents to avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
Several districts across Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are forecasted to endure heatwave conditions for the next four days. Additionally, eastern Uttar Pradesh may experience temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius from April 25 to 28, with severe heatwave conditions expected during the day.
Rainfall forecast
While many regions brace for scorching temperatures, there is relief in sight for some areas. Sporadic rainfall is predicted in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura from April 25 to 28. Central Maharashtra, Marathwada, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka may also experience light rainfall until April 27.