Cooling products fly as met dept predicts continued severe heatwave
Severe heatwaves are likely to continue for the next three days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned, a scenario that could see a spike in demand for power and consumer goods as people try to beat the intense heat. Additionally, the underground water table may deplete further, leading to a shortage of water to irrigate summer crops.
Maximum temperatures of 44 to 47 degrees Celsius are likely to continue over Gangetic
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West Bengal, east Jharkhand, north Odisha, and Rayalaseema till 3 May, gradually easing thereafter.
Heatwaves are predicted over Telangana, interior Karnataka, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam (Puducherry), Kerala, Konkan, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Karnataka will face heavy heatwaves during the next 4-5 days.
The IMD said eastern India will experience a heatwave for the next three days, and sounded a red alert for severe heatwave conditions in Gangetic West Bengal for three days and in Odisha for two days.
The IMD attributed the
MANHAR KAPOOR severe heatwave conditions to a less frequent thunderstorms in east and north-east India. “Prolonged heatwave spell over East and South Peninsular
India in April is due to the absence of thunderstorm and the persisting anticyclone," said IMD director general Mrutyunjay Mahapatra.
“Heatwave conditions are expected in Gangetic West Bengal and Bihar from 1 May to 2 May, gradually easing thereafter. Isolated areas in SubHimalayan West Bengal and Jharkhand may also experience heat wave to severe heat wave conditions during this time, with some pockets retaining these conditions for the following three days.”
The summer season has got off to a strong start with more consumers spending on discretionary categories such as air conditioners and refrigerators, said Kamal Nandi, executive vice president and business head at the Godrej Appliances.
Consumers have been avoiding spending on high ticket items, a trend that is now easing up given the intense heatwave.
“The start has been very good. In April we have seen a 100% growth in air conditioners, even air coolers have seen over 100% jump in sales versus last year. This is one of the strongest April's we have seen," he added. This is despite the fact that some parts of the North are yet to see an uptick in demand, he said.
The rise in temperature will also lead to an increase in the sale of beer. Vinod Giri, director general, Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage
Companies (CIABC) told Mint, “With the onset of early summer, beer demand has surged across India.
“However, the industry is concerned that supplies may fall short. Prolonged elections and related restrictions are disrupting supply chains all over the country. There are also inexplicable regulatory hurdles in some big states...Taking all into account industry may be looking at 13-14% growth during summer over last year.”
Rituraj Baruah, Suneera Tandon and Varuni Khosla have contributed to this story. For a longer version, visit