With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a sharp rise in maximum temperatures across the Kalyana Karnataka region from March 15 to 19, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has urged residents to take necessary precautions, advising against outdoor activities between 12 noon and 3 pm.
Over the past 24 hours, Kalaburagi recorded 39.8°C, while Ainapur village saw a peak of 42.8°C. Similar temperatures were reported across Kalyana Karnataka, including Vijayanagara, prompting many to stay indoors.
“In light of the soaring temperatures, the government may revise office work hours. Officials should avoid field visits in the afternoon, and employees are advised to remain indoors between 12 pm and 3 pm. Work should be planned for mornings or evenings. Raichur district is witnessing temperatures nearing 43-44°C,” Rao stated on Saturday.
He also urged educational institutions to take preventive measures, stressing the importance of hydration and proper nutrition. “Government hospitals are fully equipped to handle heat-related cases,” he assured.
IMD predicts that north interior Karnataka will see temperatures rise by 2-4°C between March 15 and 17, with heatwave conditions likely on March 18 and 19. Meanwhile, south interior Karnataka is expected to remain stable for 24 hours before temperatures increase by 2-3°C.
According to KSNDMC reports, Kalaburagi, Bidar, Bagalkot, Raichur, Yadgir, and Vijayapura all recorded temperatures above 40°C on Friday, with similar heat levels in parts of Bagalkot and Belagavi. Extreme heat was also reported in isolated areas, including Vijayanagara, Tumkur, Ballari, Gadag, Koppal, Uttara Kannada, Chikkaballapura, and Mysuru.
The KSNDMC bulletin highlighted that Vijayanagara was among the districts where temperatures exceeded 40°C. Specifically, 17 locations in Kalaburagi, 13 in Bidar and Raichur, 10 in Vijayapura, eight in Yadgir, six each in Bagalkot and Belagavi, three in Tumkur, and two each in Ballari, Gadag, Koppal, Uttara Kannada, and Vijayanagara, along with one location in Chikkaballapura and Mysuru, recorded maximum temperatures of 40°C or higher.
IMD analysis indicates that certain areas in north interior Karnataka, including Vijayanagara, are experiencing temperatures 3.1-5°C above normal, while other regions are seeing an increase of 1.6-3°C. On Sunday, Kalyana Karnataka, particularly Vijayanagara, remained hot throughout the day, with peak temperatures between 11 am and 5 pm. With the weekend break, streets remained largely deserted as residents stayed indoors to escape the heat.