New Delhi:
One of the most hotly contested Lok Sabha election in Indian history will come to a end today with seventh and final phase of polls at fifty-nine (59) constituencies across 7 states and one union territory. As a few constituencies at Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh go to polls today, here is largely how the weather will be and what are the precautions voters can take before visting the polling stations.
In a nutshell, the weather in these regions on Sunday should be clear, largely rain-free although with a few exceptions and warm, but not oppressively so.
A Western Disturbance and induced cyclonic circulation that brought rain and thunder storm to mountainous regions in northern India until Saturday evening weaken afterwards. Therefore, the north of India could see largely clear skies on Sunday.
According to IMDB, regions in Maharashtra like Vidarbha, and isolated pockets of Chhattisgarh, Rayalaseema, North Interior Karnataka and Telangana can face extreme heat waves. However, the polling states would not face heatwave conditions except some isolated parts of northern India and West Bengal on Sunday. Temperature would range between 28°C to 41°C except for Himachal pradesh where maximum temperature will be 25°C in polling areas.
It is important for the voters to take primary precautions before going to cast their votes, the process for which started at 7 AM and ends by 6 PM. Severe heat can cause heat strokes and heat exhaustion that can lead to symptoms like dizziness, headaches, fainting and others.
It is advisable to avoid the wee hours for casting vote and visit the polling station before the sun goes high in the sky, preferably before 10 am or after it goes down i.e. after 5 pm. The voters can also avoid the rush and long queues at the polling station in this way.
Cover your head and face with cotton cloth or scarf to limit exposure to sunlight
Carry a bottle of water and glucose to keep you hydrated as you wait at the long queue to cast vote. Many polling booths offer water and juices for the convenience of the voters, but it is always smart to carry your essentials without depending on the poll authority.
Take a shower before you leave home for the polling station.
If the weather forecast in your areas says spells of rain, carry your umbrella or a rain coat
If you are casting vote in a booth that is surrounded by shrubs and bushes, carry mosquito repellents.
Malfunctioning of the EVMs is a common norm this polling season, that can extend your waiting time under the scorching sun.
Carry dry food items like fruits, biscuits so thay you are not left hungry.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes for your casting vote outing. Try to cover your head with a hat or an umbrella to keep the head from becoming too warm.
Carry and wear sunglasses to keep your eyes safe if you go out during the peak hours of the sun. Don't forget to dab sunscreen lotion on your face.
Casting the vote is your constitutional right, don't let the heat of the sudden rain deter you from your rights.
