Raichur: With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting a notable rise in maximum temperatures across the Kalyana Karnataka region between March 15 and 19, health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao urged people to take essential precautions. He advised people to avoid outdoor activities between 12 noon and 3pm.
In the last 24 hours, Kalaburagi recorded a temperature of 39.8 degrees Celsius, while Ainapur village recorded 42.8 degrees Celsius. Other districts in Kalyana Karnataka reported similar temperatures, prompting many residents to remain indoors.
“Given the rising temperatures, govt will consider changing the work timings for its offices. Officials should refrain from field visits in the afternoon. Employees are advised to stay indoors between 12 noon and 3pm. Work should be scheduled for the morning or evening. Temperatures in Raichur district are approaching 43 to 44 degrees Celsius,” Rao said on Saturday.
He also recommended that educational institutions take necessary measures against the rising heat, emphasising the importance of hydration and nutrition. “We have all the required facilities available in govt hospitals,” he added.
IMD forecasts suggest that maximum temperatures in north interior Karnataka will rise by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius from March 15 to 17, with heatwave conditions anticipated in certain areas on March 18 and 19.
In south interior Karnataka, temperatures are expected to remain stable for the first 24 hours, then gradually increase by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius.
Reports from KSNDMC indicate that on Friday, Kalaburagi, Bidar, Bagalkot, Raichur, Yadgir, and Vijayapura experienced temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, with similar conditions observed in parts of Bagalkot and Belagavi.
Extreme heat was also recorded in isolated regions of the Tumkur, Ballari, Gadag, Koppal, Uttara Kannada, Vijayanagara, Chikkaballapura, and Mysuru districts.
According to the KSNDMC bulletin, 17 locations in Kalaburagi district, 13 in Bidar and Raichur districts, 10 in Vijayapura, eight in Yadgir, six in both Bagalkot and Belagavi, three in Tumakur, and two each in Ballari, Gadag, Koppal, Uttara Kannada, and Vijayanagara, along with one location in Chikkaballapura and Mysuru, recorded maximum temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or higher.
IMD analysis indicates that certain areas in north interior Karnataka are experiencing temperatures significantly above normal, ranging from 3.1 to 5 degrees Celsius. In comparison, other regions report increases of 1.6 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal.
On Sunday, hot conditions were prevalent across Kalyana Karnataka, with temperatures peaking after 11am and remaining high until 5pm. As it was a holiday, the streets were relatively quiet, with minimal traffic as residents chose to stay indoors.
