Jaipur, April 20 (NationPress) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe heatwave alert for eight districts in Rajasthan, cautioning that temperatures may exceed 45 degrees Celsius in the upcoming days.

This alert, released by the Meteorological Centre in Jaipur, will remain valid until April 23. The IMD forecasts that temperatures will increase by 2-5 degrees Celsius across the state during this period, further aggravating heatwave conditions.

For Monday, heatwave alerts are issued for Khairthal-Tijara, Kotputli-Behror, Churu, Alwar, Bharatpur, Deeg, Dholpur, and Jhunjhunu. On Tuesday, the heatwave is expected to spread to additional districts such as Karauli, Sikar, Bikaner, Hanumangarh, Jaisalmer, Phalodi, and Sri Ganganagar.

The heatwave is already impacting the region. On Sunday, districts including Alwar, Bharatpur, Deeg, Dholpur, Jhunjhunu, Khairthal-Tijara, and Kotputli-Behror experienced heatwave conditions. Daytime temperatures surpassed 41 degrees Celsius in at least nine cities, with Kota recording the highest at 42.1 degrees. Meteorologists warn that by the end of April, many regions in Rajasthan could again exceed 45 degrees Celsius.

The IMD has noted that rainfall in the plains is minimal. A weak western disturbance is currently passing through North India, but it is not expected to provide any significant relief. Consequently, heatwave conditions are likely to persist across North, Central, and parts of East India.

The Meteorological Department officials recommend several precautions, including avoiding outdoor activities between noon and 4 p.m., wearing head coverings like hats or scarves when going outside, opting for light-colored, loose-fitting cotton attire, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water before feeling thirsty, and consuming ORS, lemon water, buttermilk, and coconut water regularly. It is advised to avoid heavy, fried, and oily foods and to opt for water-rich fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, and muskmelon. Special care should be taken for children and the elderly, who are more susceptible to heatstroke, and to keep homes cool with curtains, fans, or air coolers, remaining indoors during peak heat hours.

In the last 24 hours, Kota has been the hottest location at 42.1 degrees, followed closely by Churu and Chittorgarh with 42 degrees, while Alwar registered 41.5 degrees, and Barmer recorded 41.4 degrees. Other temperatures include Bikaner at 41.0 degrees, Karauli at 41.0 degrees, and Jaipur at 40.5 degrees, among others.