It is only April, yet the intense heatwaves of summer have begun to scorch the soul the moment one steps outside. All one craves now is the constant cool air from the air conditioner and perhaps a hand fan tucked in the bag. Till April 26, the Indian Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions, with temperatures reaching 44 degrees Celsius in some places. Amid such harsh temperatures, most people reach for the AC remote and end up overconsuming cold air. However, what many users forget is that the cooling efficiency of air conditioners depends not only on their own functioning but also on the region's weather. An air conditioner will not provide the same cooling at the same temperature in two different regions, for instance, Delhi NCR and Mumbai. Moreover, selecting different modes will also yield varied performance based on the area.
Optimal AC Settings by Region
Eastern India
In areas in the East, including Kolkata, Calicut, and others, the air conditioner should be set to 24-25 degrees Celsius. It is advisable to keep the fan on to ensure circulation of cold air across the room, providing comfort and effective cooling.
Southern India
The ideal temperature in areas of southern India such as Bengaluru and Kerala is 25-26 degrees Celsius. These regions remain mostly humid and do not experience extreme heat, thus higher temperatures are ideal for maximum cooling efficiency.
Western India
Areas located in the West, including Mumbai, Gujarat, and others, should have their AC set at 25 degrees Celsius. Families should also invest in dehumidifiers since these areas are extremely humid. Since high-humidity regions do not require much cooling, running the AC at 25 degrees Celsius with the dehumidifier will be more effective in providing relief.
Intense Heatwave in India
Temperatures in Delhi have been surpassing 42 degrees Celsius due to the scorching heat. According to Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of IMD, northern parts of the Indo-Gangetic plains, the eastern coastal states, and western states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and adjoining areas will experience a higher than normal number of heatwaves this year. "There are climatologically prone areas -- for example, the normal temperature in the Vidarbha region (Maharashtra) is around 41 to 42 degrees Celsius at this time of year. Similarly, the normal temperature in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana touches 40 to 44 degrees Celsius towards the month of May," he said to PTI videos. As per the IMD forecast, heatwave conditions are expected in the months of April, May, and June in many places across the country.
