Severe Heatwave Hits Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, Thunderstorm Warning Issued for South Bengal

A severe heatwave is sweeping across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, with temperatures surpassing 42°C in some areas. The IMD has warned 59 mandals in Andhra Pradesh of extreme heat, particularly in districts like Srikakulam and Vizianagaram. Odisha has rescheduled school timings from April 2 to protect students, and exams will conclude by March 27. Anganwadi centers will operate early in the morning during summer. Odisha’s districts like Boudh and Sambalpur are already experiencing heatwave conditions.

Meanwhile, the IMD has issued a thunderstorm warning for South Bengal, predicting strong winds, hail, and rain in districts like Jhargram and Hooghly. Kolkata will see rain with gusty winds and temperatures around 34°C. The situation is expected to intensify in Bengal, but North Bengal will stay mostly dry.

Severe Heatwave Hits Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, Thunderstorm Warning Issued for South Bengal

An intense heatwave is sweeping through Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, pushing temperatures beyond 42°C in several regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts, highlighting that 59 areas (mandals) in Andhra Pradesh, including districts like Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Parvathipuram Manyam, will face severe heat on Thursday. On Wednesday, Chagalamarri in Nandyala district recorded the highest temperature at 42.3°C, marking one of the hottest days so far this season.

In Odisha, authorities are taking steps to shield residents from the scorching weather. Starting April 2, school timings will be adjusted to avoid peak heat hours, ensuring students aren’t exposed to dangerous temperatures. All exams will wrap up by March 27 to prevent disruptions. Additionally, Anganwadi centers, which provide childcare and nutrition services, will operate only from 7 AM to 9 AM during the summer to protect young children and workers. The state has also urged districts like Boudh, Sambalpur, and Bolangir—already experiencing heatwave conditions—to enforce safety measures, such as distributing water and setting up shaded rest areas.

Meanwhile, South Bengal is bracing for a different kind of weather chaos. The IMD has warned of thunderstorms, heavy rain, and hailstorms in districts like Jhargram, Bankura, and Hooghly over the next few days. Gusty winds and sudden downpours could disrupt daily life, damage crops, and cause power outages. Kolkata is likely to see rain and strong winds, with daytime temperatures hovering around 34°C. The weather is expected to worsen by Friday, spreading storms to more areas. In contrast, North Bengal will remain mostly dry, with only light rain predicted in isolated spots.

Breaking Down the Crisis

Andhra Pradesh’s Heat Emergency
The heatwave in Andhra Pradesh has turned daily life into a struggle. With temperatures crossing 42°C, outdoor workers, farmers, and vulnerable groups like the elderly are at high risk of heatstroke. The IMD’s warning covers 59 mandals, signaling widespread danger. Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Parvathipuram Manyam are among the worst-hit districts, where residents are advised to stay indoors, drink water regularly, and avoid direct sunlight. Hospitals are on alert to handle heat-related emergencies, and local governments are setting up cooling centers in public spaces.

Odisha’s Proactive Measures
Odisha’s decision to reschedule school hours reflects lessons learned from past heatwaves. By ending classes early, the state aims to protect over 6 million students from dehydration and exhaustion. The exam schedule shift also reduces stress for families and teachers. Anganwadi centers’ shortened hours prioritize the safety of women and children, who often travel long distances in the heat. In districts like Bolangir and Sambalpur, known for extreme summers, officials are reviving community water stations and awareness campaigns about heatstroke symptoms.

Bengal’s Weather Whiplash
While Andhra Pradesh and Odisha battle heat, South Bengal faces a sudden shift to storms. The thunderstorms, fueled by moisture from the Bay of Bengal, could bring relief from humidity but also pose risks like flash floods and crop damage. Farmers are rushing to secure harvests, fearing hail might destroy crops like mangoes and vegetables. Kolkata’s predicted 34°C temperature, though lower than Andhra’s 42°C, will feel muggy due to rain. In North Bengal, the dry spell may worsen water shortages in rural areas, adding pressure on already strained resources.

Why This Matters

Heatwaves and erratic storms are becoming more frequent in India due to climate change. Rising temperatures threaten health, agriculture, and economies, especially in states reliant on farming. For instance, Odisha’s Anganwadi adjustments show how social services must adapt to extreme weather. Similarly, Andhra’s heat alerts highlight the need for better infrastructure, like reliable electricity for cooling, in rural areas. Meanwhile, Bengal’s dual crisis—scorching heat in some regions and storms in others—underscores the uneven impacts of climate shifts.

What’s Next?

The IMD predicts the heatwave will persist in Andhra and Odisha for at least another week. Residents are urged to follow guidelines, such as wearing light clothing and avoiding outdoor work between 11 AM and 4 PM. In Bengal, authorities are monitoring river levels and landslide risks in hilly areas. Long-term, experts stress the need for climate-resilient policies—like heat-proof housing and efficient water management—to combat these escalating threats.

As temperatures soar and storms loom, millions across these states are navigating a precarious balance between survival and adaptation. The coming weeks will test preparedness, community solidarity, and the urgency of climate action.