Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 3: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Saturday said there is no need for panic over the expected heat conditions in May, urging people to rely on official forecasts and take basic precautions to stay safe.

According to an official statement, while parts of southern peninsular India, the northeast, and northwest regions may witness above-normal temperatures and heatwave conditions, much of the country is likely to experience normal to below-normal temperatures during the month.

The minister advised citizens to stay hydrated, avoid stepping out during peak afternoon hours, and be mindful of vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, children, and outdoor workers. He emphasized that regularly following updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) can significantly reduce health risks.

Citing the IMD’s latest outlook, Singh noted that minimum temperatures in several regions are also expected to remain above normal. Heatwave conditions are likely in areas including the Himalayan foothills, parts of the east coast such as Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, adjoining Tamil Nadu, and regions of Gujarat and Maharashtra. These areas may experience two to four additional heatwave days above the seasonal average.

The forecast also indicates that temperatures could rise further during the second and fourth weeks of May, potentially triggering heatwave conditions across parts of northwest, central, and western India, along with the east coast. Increased nighttime temperatures may add to discomfort, especially in urban and coastal regions, with hot and humid conditions expected along the east coast, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

On the agriculture front, conditions remain generally favourable for harvesting late Rabi crops in northern and northwestern regions. However, localized heat stress in parts of southern and northeastern India could impact summer crops such as rice (Boro), maize, and pulses.

Farmers have been advised to carry out fieldwork during cooler hours, ensure light and frequent irrigation, and take necessary steps to protect livestock.

Reassuring the public, Singh said the government is fully prepared to manage heat-related challenges, highlighting coordinated efforts across states and districts to ensure adequate drinking water, cooling arrangements, and uninterrupted power supply, particularly for vulnerable populations.