Karnataka Weather Update: The southern state of India, Karnataka has revised the timings for government offices in its northern district for nearly 2 months. The decision comes after severe heatwave warnings were issued for the districts. The government employees will have to work from next week in the first half of the working hours, meaning, they will have half days.
Karnataka Government Offices:
As per the notification of the State Information and Public Relations Department, the Karnataka government revised its office timings from 8 AM to 1.30 PM, starting April till the end of May. The shorter working hours will be applied to government employees in districts such as Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari, Vijayanagara, Vijayapura, and Bagalkot.
The notification revealed that the decision was made in light of the concerns raised in the proposal and considering the high temperatures expected in April and May 2025.
However, the directions also emphasized that government employees should ensure to continue their duties and targets without interruption in the revised hours. If there is a need for working beyond the revised hours, then it should be authorized by District Commissioners or Zilla Panchayat Executive Officers.
Karnataka Weather Update:
As per the latest IMD report, the north interior of Karnataka along with other parts of Gujarat, south Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, southeast Utter Pradesh, northern Telangana, and south Marathwada, witnessed maximum temperatures of 39-41°C yesterday.
While 35-38° C was reported in North interior Karnataka & adjoining coastal & south interior of the state. Further, the rest parts of Karnataka witnessed 30-34° C.
For the 3rd and 4th of April, IMD issued warnings of heavy rains, thunderstorms, lighting squalls etc in the north interior of Karnataka. However, there are no warnings as of now from April 5th to 7th.
However, earlier, IMD stated that the North Interior of Karnataka could record a surge of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius along with expectations of isolated heatwaves ahead.
India Summer Season Outlook:
For April to June 2025, the hot weather season is expected to be above-normal maximum temperatures over most parts of the country, except some parts of west peninsular India and isolated regions of east-central and east India where normal maximum temperatures are most likely, as per IMD.
In its press release, IMD said, that in April 2025, above-normal minimum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country except some isolated regions of extreme northwest India where normal minimum temperatures are likely. Also, above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country except some parts of extreme south peninsular India and northwest India, where normal maximum temperatures are most likely.
Further, IMD forecasted that during April 2025, an above-normal number of heatwave days are likely over most parts of east and central India adjoining peninsular India.
For April to June, IMD believes above-normal number of heatwave days are likely to occur over most parts of the north & east peninsula, central India, east India, and plains of northwest India.
It added, "The anomaly (deviation from normal) forecast for the number of heatwave days over the country for the season April to June (AMJ) 2025 is shown in Fig 3a. During AMJ hot weather season, above normal number of heatwave days are likely to occur over most parts of north and east peninsula, central India, east India and plains of northwest India."
What Happens During Heatwaves?
As per IMD, during heatwaves, elevated temperatures pose significant risks, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Additionally, prolonged periods of extreme heat can lead to dehydration and strain infrastructure such as power grids and transportation systems. To address these challenges, anticipatory actions as per guidelines of National and State Disaster Management Authorities and heat action plans may be taken.
This includes providing access to cooling centres, issuing heat advisories, and implementing strategies to alleviate urban heat island effects in affected areas etc. among others, it lastly added.
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