Millions of voters are bracing for another sweltering day of relentless heat when polling begins for the Phase 2 of Lok Sabha elections on Friday. But this time, they could also expect thunderstorms and lightning fuelled by the excess heat that has battered large parts of the country.
The mercury has already shot up to nearly 43°C in several places and settled there for days with severe heatwaves scorching parts of Odisha and West Bengal. This is the second spell of heatwave this April, and eastern states have been the worst-hit. Dangerous heat conditions have prevailed over Odisha since April 15, while West Bengal has been simmering for the last seven days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), which had earlier ruled out any major concern due to the heatwaves for Phase 2, has now issued a red warning for West Bengal and orange warnings for Karnataka, Bihar and parts of Maharashtra. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has also extended the polling timings for 363 polling stations in one of the constituencies in Bihar from 7 am to 6 pm.
As many as 89 Parliamentary constituencies in 13 states and Union Territories will go for polls on Friday. “We have also issued a Yellow watch urging people to remain updated about the weather. Most of the other regions which are most-vulnerable to heatwaves are not falling under Phase two. This time, there are large areas in southern Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Kerala,” said RK Jenamani, senior scientist at IMD Delhi.
The IMD declares a heatwave when temperatures at least surge past 40℃ and are above-normal by 4.5- 6.4℃ consecutively for two days. But even without the heatwave, the prolonged soaring temperatures and humidity are enough to aggravate the heat stress.
WHAT’S THE FORECAST?
The worst of the heat has clearly shifted eastwards this summer, and also extended to the southern peninsular states. So, when polling begins for Phase 2, the states which could expect heatwaves are Karnataka (14 seats), Bihar (5 seats), Uttar Pradesh (8 seats), West Bengal (3 seats).
Temperatures are likely to surge by 2-3°C over the next few days in the southern states including Kerala and Karnataka. A heatwave warning has been issued for Southern Karnataka where as many as 14 constituencies are set to vote under Phase 2. The districts of Vijayapura, Yadgir, Koppal, Bagalkote, Kalaburgi, Raichur, Ballari, Chitradurga, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Gadag, Davangere, Tumkur districts are likely to be hit.
It is hot and humid in Kerala where all 20 seats are set for polling and could see day temperatures hovering around 36-40˚C with the highest in Palakkad district. The temperatures are also likely to increase and remain around 42℃ in Bihar, where five seats are set for polling and a heatwave is expected. Struck by a prolonged heatwave, West Bengal has only three seats under Phase 2 and is under red warning for heatwave. Rain is also likely in Assam.
BE WARY OF THUNDERSTORMS/LIGHTNING
There is a likelihood of heatwave in West Uttar Pradesh as well, where eight constituencies are set for polling. However, there is also a possibility of gusty winds and thunderstorms which could bring down the temperatures albeit temporarily.
The big state of Rajasthan, which has most seats (13) under Phase 2 could also expect a hot day but the forecasters have ruled out any heatwave. “The temperatures are definitely high and touching almost 40-42℃, but people also need to be wary of occasional thunderstorms/lightning which is expected over the next few days and gusty winds 30-50 kmph. Be careful, not to stand under the trees during such times,” said IMD Jaipur chief Radhe Shyam.
Madhya Pradesh with seven constituencies set for polling has a high possibility of thunderstorms and lightning. Maharashtra, which has also been impacted by heatwaves with eight constituencies in Phase 2, could also see temperatures rising by 3-4℃ over the next few days.
ECI FORMS TASK FORCE
The dip in the voter turnout in Phase 1 last Friday has compelled the Election Commission of India (ECI) to form a task force, which will now review the impact of heatwave and humidity, five days before each polling phase.
“It is important that all the advisories are implemented on the ground, and people are made aware. Normally, most of the polling booths are set up in schools where drinking water is available. There should be adequate shaded areas because voters end up standing in long queues for hours, and most importantly the vulnerable ones, especially elderly should be prioritised,” said Abhiyant Tiwari, Lead, Climate resilience and health at NRDC India.
The ECI will hold a separate review with State Chief Electoral Officers to ensure basic minimum facilities at polling stations including shaded areas, drinking water and fans not just for the voters but also the polling personnel and security forces who are equally vulnerable to heat stress.
As many as 89 Parliamentary constituencies will vote in Phase 2 on Friday, including Kerala (20), Karnataka (14), Rajasthan (13), Maharashtra (8), Uttar Pradesh (8), Madhya Pradesh (7), Assam (5), Bihar (5), Chhattisgarh (3), and West Bengal (3), Manipur (1), Tripura (1) and Jammu and Kashmir (1).
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