India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued Seasonal outlook for Hot weather Season (March to May) 2023 for the Temperature and Rainfall on 28^th February 2023 (copy attached for ready reference).

The highlights pertaining to temperature scenario during March-May 2023 are given below;

During the upcoming hot weather season (March to May (MAM)), above normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of northeast India, east and central India and some parts of northwest India. Normal to below normal maximum temperatures are most likely over remaining parts of the country.

During the season (MAM), above normal minimum temperatures are very likely over most parts of the country except south peninsular India where normal to below normal minimum temperatures are likely.

Enhanced probability of occurrence of heatwave during March to May season is likely over many regions of Central and adjoining Northwest India. A low probability for occurrence of heatwave over Central India is likely during March 2023.

The rainfall in March 2023 averaged over the country is most likely to be normal (83- 117% of LPA). Below normal rainfall is most likely over most areas of northwest India, west central India and some parts of east & northeast India. Normal to above normal rainfall is likely over most parts of peninsular India, east central India and some isolated pockets of northeast India.

To minimize the effect of abnormally high temperature including heatwave during the summer session for the period from 1 April to 30 June, IMD issues colour coded impact based heatwave warning for the benefit of the Public and users. IMD has finalized the impacts and suggested actions with respect to the intensity of heatwave and the colour code used for related warning, in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

As a mitigation measure, IMD in collaboration with local health departments have started heat action plan in many parts of the country to forewarn about the heat waves and also advising action to be taken during such occasions. The Heat Action Plan is a comprehensive early warning system and preparedness plan for extreme heat events. The plan presents immediate as well as longer-term actions to increase preparedness, information-sharing, and response coordination to reduce the health impacts of extreme heat on vulnerable populations. NDMA and IMD are working with 23 states prone to high temperatures leading to heat-wave conditions for supporting heat action plans.  

Heat Wave Warnings are disseminated through the following modes:

• Mass Media: Radio/TV, News Paper network

• Weekly & Daily Weather Video
• Internet  (e-mail), ftp 
• Public Website (mausam.imd.gov.in)
• IMD Apps:  Mausam/ Meghdoot/DAMIN/RAIN ALARM
• Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, BLOG

This information was given by the Minister for State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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