Karnataka heatwave advisory: Minister suggests office hour changes, 5 key tips. Check IMD forecast

The IMD has warned of heat waves in north Interior Karnataka from March 15 to 19. In response, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao urged people to take precautions and avoid outdoor travel between 12 noon and 3 pm. Here's a look at his advises.

What are the precautionary measures advised by the health minister?

Speaking in Raichur, Dinesh Gundu Rao said, "As the heat is increasing, the government will decide on revising the work timings of government offices. Officers should avoid field visits in the afternoon. Government employees should not go outside between 12 noon and 3 pm. Work should be scheduled for the morning or evening."

What are advises for schools?

He also urged schools and institutions to take the necessary precautions due to the soaring temperatures. "Focus on food and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. We have all necessary facilities in government hospitals," he added.

Check IMD heatwave warning

The IMD forecasts a 2 to 4°C rise in maximum temperatures across North Interior Karnataka from March 15 to 17, with a heatwave warning issued for isolated areas on March 18 and 19.

In South Interior Karnataka, no significant temperature change is expected in the next 24 hours, but a gradual increase of 2 to 3°C is likely in the coming days.

Which districts are likely to be impacted most?

According to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), several districts, including Kalaburagi, Bidar, Bagalkote, Raichur, Yadgir, and Vijayapura, recorded maximum temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius and above on Friday. Some areas in Bagalkote and Belagavi also experienced extreme heat.

Temperatures have risen to extremes in isolated places in the Tumakuru, Ballari, Gadag, Koppala, Uttara Kannada, Vijayanagara, Chikkaballapura, and Mysuru districts.

"17 locations in Kalaburagi district, 13 locations each in Bidar and Raichur districts, 10 locations in Vijayapura district, eight locations in Yadgir district, six locations each in Bagalkote and Belagavi districts, three locations in Tumakuru district, two locations each in Ballari, Gadag, Koppala, Uttara Kannada and Vijayanagara districts, one location in Chikkaballapura and Mysuru districts recorded a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius and above," weather bulletin issued by the KSNDMC read.