Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 3: A report released in February had already warned of an extreme summer this year. As predicted, temperatures across the country continue to rise daily. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated that 15 states will experience severe heatwaves until May, which could have a serious impact on crops, humans, and livestock.
Meanwhile, people in the coastal region of Karnataka are already struggling with the scorching heat. In Dakshina Kannada district, the hot and humid weather persists, with temperatures rising steadily across the region.
According to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), Sullia taluk in Dakshina Kannada district recorded the highest temperature in the state at 40.1°C between 8:30 am on February 28 and March 1. On February 27, Kokkar in Beltangady taluk recorded 40.4°C.
Several places in Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada districts have recorded extreme temperatures. In Dakshina Kannada, Pane Mangaluru (Bantwal) recorded 39.1°C, Uppinangady 39.5°C, and Kadaba 39°C. Similarly, in Uttara Kannada, Sawantwada (Karwar) recorded 39.9°C, Mavinakurve (Honnavar) 39.5°C, and Ghadsai (Karwar) 39.8°C.
KSNDMC data shows that temperatures exceeded 39°C in four locations in Dakshina Kannada and three locations in Uttara Kannada. However, across the state, the maximum temperature remains close to normal, varying within -1.5°C to 1.5°C.
The IMD has issued a heatwave warning for coastal Karnataka on March 1 and 2 and predicted that hot and humid weather will continue on March 3.
Due to relative humidity levels between 40-50% and maximum wind temperature ranging from 37-38°C, the perceived temperature for the human body is expected to be between 40-50°C. This extreme heat is likely to cause significant discomfort.
According to the IMD, no major changes in maximum and minimum temperatures are expected in South Interior Karnataka over the next five days. In North Interior Karnataka, temperatures will remain stable for three days before gradually decreasing.
The IMD has noted that February 2025 is the hottest February since 1901, with an average recorded temperature of 22.04°C compared to the normal 20.7°C. This marks the second-highest maximum and minimum temperature recorded since 1901.
Between January and February, the country experienced a 59% rainfall deficit. Central India recorded an 89% deficit, while northwest India saw a 64% shortfall.
From March to May 2025, most parts of the country, except Northeast India, extreme North India, and parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, are expected to witness significantly high temperatures and heatwaves, which could impact agriculture, humans, and livestock.