Karnataka Weather Update: IMD Issues Heatwave Alert For Several Districts Till March 19; Check Forecast

Several parts of Karnataka are expected to witness a rise in temperatures between March 15 and 19, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD has forecasted an increase of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in maximum temperatures over North Interior Karnataka from March 15 to 17. 

A heatwave warning has been issued for isolated regions on March 18 and 19. South Interior  Karnataka is not expected to see major changes immediately but may experience a gradual rise of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius.

The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) reported that several districts, including Kalaburagi, Bidar, Bagalkote, Raichur, Yadgir and Vijayapura, recorded maximum temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius on Friday. 

Some areas in Bagalkote and Belagavi experienced extreme heat, while isolated locations in Tumakuru, Ballari, Gadag, Koppala, Uttara Kannada, Vijayanagara, Chikkaballapura and Mysuru districts also reported temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius.

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In response to weather conditions, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao urged residents to take precautions, especially avoiding outdoor activities between 12 noon and 3 pm. He emphasised that staying hydrated and consuming nutritious food is important to prevent dehydration.

Rao also mentioned that the government is considering revising office timings in Raichur due to rising temperatures, which are approaching 43 to 44 degrees Celsius. He suggested scheduling official work for mornings or evenings while limiting field visits during peak heat hours.

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An IMD analysis indicated that North Interior Karnataka witnessed a rise of up to 5 degrees Celsius above normal, while coastal Karnataka saw smaller deviations, ranging from 1.6 to 3 degrees Celsius.

Temperatures across most parts of the state remained within the "near normal" range, fluctuating between -1.5 to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to average values for this time of year. However, some districts are facing extreme heat conditions.