New Delhi, May 24 -- The Union health ministry has directed all states and Union territories to be operationally prepared to face an above-normal number of heatwave days, as predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), to reduce public health risks and preventable deaths.

In a communication reviewed by Mint, Union health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said severe heat has been forecast for coastal areas in Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh, alongside some regions in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

A heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40degC in the plains, 37degC in coastal areas, or 30degC in hilly regions. Alternatively, it is automatically triggered if an...