INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: India is most likely to experience heat waves in between March and May, specifically in the essential wheat producing
central and northern states, the weather workplace stated on Tuesday, as the nation recorded its highest ever optimal temperature level in
February.A heat-wave for the 2nd straight year could dent production of wheat, rapeseed and chickpeas, and complicate federal governments
efforts to bring down food inflation.Higher temperatures might also raise power consumption above products during the summer season
Enhanced probability of occurrence of heat wave during March to May season is likely over numerous areas of Central and adjoining northwest
India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a statement.In March, the crucial month for the maturity of winter-sown crops,
above normal optimal temperature levels are most likely over the majority of parts of the country other than peninsular India, it stated
Wheat crop has already been witnessing stress due to higher temperature
Warmer March would absolutely result in yield loss, stated a Mumbai-based dealer with a global trade house.India grows just one wheat crop
in a year, with planting in October and November, and gathering from March.A heat wave curtailed Indias wheat production in 2022 and
required the worlds second largest manufacturer to ban exports.Average optimum temperature in February was 29.54 degrees Celsius, the
greatest because 1901, when the IMD began keeping weather records.The country got 68% lower rainfall than the regular in February, the
weather office said.Government officials alerted last year that the South Asian country might see more regular heat waves in future and that
average temperatures, even during the monsoon season, have actually been increasing over the last two decades
Temperatures have currently touched unusual highs at some locations in the nation, Indias health ministry stated in a letter, seen by
Reuters, sent out to all states and union territories on Tuesday.The government directed health departments throughout the country to
implement heat-related health action plans
