GUWAHATI: Assam finds itself under the grip of an unprecedented heatwave as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues its first heatwave warning, signalling a rare occurrence in recent memory for the region.
Guwahati, on Sunday, reportedly recorded a sweltering maximum temperature of 40.1 degrees Celsius, marking the highest May temperature since 1960.
The previous record was set at 40.3 degrees Celsius on May 1, 1960.
As temperatures and humidity increase, the Assam education department has instructed district administrators to start school earlier to lessen the impact of the hot weather.
Additionally, the government has issued health advisories to safeguard residents from the heatwave’s harmful effects.
Acknowledging the severity of the ongoing heatwave, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has asked the residents to take necessary precautions to safeguard against potential health risks associated with such extreme weather conditions.
“Our state is currently experiencing a severe heatwave. Temperatures in May have risen compared to previous months. It’s crucial for everyone to remain vigilant during this period,” he said, on Saturday.
However, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of Cyclone Remal, which is forecasted to make landfall in West Bengal and Bangladesh on Sunday.
The cyclone is expected to bring widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds to the Northeast from May 26 to 28.
On May 26, light to moderate rainfall is expected across most places in Assam, with isolated heavy rainfall predicted in Goalpara, Bongaigaon, and Dima Hasao districts.
Similar weather conditions are forecasted to persist on May 27, with Dima Hasao, Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi districts likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall.
