With Lok Sabha elections around the corner, the Indian Meteorological Department has issued an official prediction about hot weather conditions during the seven rounds of the Lok Sabha poll 2024. 

These polls will be held across the country between 7 am on April 19 and 6:30 pm on June 1. During this period, the extreme weather conditions will also coincide with Lok Sabha elections in India. 

More than 1.4 billion people are slated to cast their ballots to elect 543 MPs in seven phases between April 19 and June 1. 

According to the Indian Meteorological Department prediction, normal heatwave days are likely over many areas in central India and the adjoining areas of the northern plains and south India in April. 

The weather department indicated that Gujarat, central Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, north Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh will experience the worst impact of heat waves.

Several parts of Jharkhand including Latehar, Palamau and Garhwa will face the heat waves. 

Also, the MET Department has signaled a warning for wheat-producing states such as UP, Haryana, and Punjab during the LS polls. 

However, the IMD has not issued any heat wave warning for these wheat-producing states — except Madhya Pradesh — until April 7. 

Reports indicate that the weather pattern will have a limited impact on winter-sown wheat crops as the plants have matured and harvesting has started in many states. 

A bumper output could also prompt authorities to ease export restrictions that have been in place since 2022.