IMD Warns Of Exceptionally Hot Summer In 2025 With Increased Heatwave Days

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning about an exceptionally hot summer ahead, forecasting higher-than-normal temperatures across the country.

The department predicts six to ten heatwave days from April to June, with the potential for this number to rise to 10-11 by June.

Typically, India experiences four to seven heatwave days during the April – June period.

IMD predicts that the frequency of heat waves will significantly increase in 2025.

This increase in heatwave days is concerning, especially for regions already vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.

East-Central India To Bear The Brunt Of Extreme Heat

The rising temperatures are likely to hardest hit the east-central region of India.

States including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, and parts of Gujarat are likely to experience the most intense heat in the coming months.

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The region is forecast to see both higher daytime and nighttime temperatures, well above the normal range.

Warm Start To The Year And Global Warming Impact

The unusually warm start to 2025 has set the stage for this intense summer.

March’s average temperature was recorded as 0.78 degrees Celsius above the long-period average (LPA).

IMD’s Director General of Meteorology, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, attributed the above-normal warmth to a lack of sufficient western disturbances, combined with the broader effects of global warming and climate change.

Rising Temperatures And The Threat Of Prolonged Heatwaves

India is no stranger to extreme heat, as evidenced by heat waves that swept across the country from March 10 to 18, with several states recording temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

As the temperatures continue to rise, no relief is likely until after April 10, with forecasts indicating that both day and night temperatures will remain above normal in April.

In April, the IMD typically records one to three heatwave days, but this year, the number could increase to three to six.

The definition of a heatwave is when temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius and are 4.5 to 6.5 degrees Celsius above normal in the plains.

Global Warming Exacerbating The Situation

The forecast for the upcoming summer is concerning due to the increasing frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves.

Studies indicate that global warming is worsening the situation, with rising temperatures affecting both day and night conditions across the country.

Rainfall Predictions And No El Nino Impact

On a more positive note, the IMD predicts that April’s rainfall will be normal, helping to recover from March’s significant rainfall deficit of 32.6 percent.

The department has also ruled out the possibility of an El Nino this summer, a weather pattern that typically brings hotter temperatures and reduced monsoon rainfall to India.

As the country braces for a sweltering summer, experts urge individuals to take precautionary measures against the extreme heat, while also emphasizing the need for long-term strategies to combat the effects of climate change.