Scorching Heat On Its Way: IMD Forecasts Above-normal Heatwave Days This Summer

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the country may witness above-normal heatwave days in large parts between March and May. This suggests a hotter-than-average pre-summer and summer season, with heatwaves becoming more frequent in many regions. 

What did the IMD say?

The weather agency said that maximum (daytime) temperatures are expected to be higher than normal across most of the country, although some areas in northwest and central India could see near-normal or slightly below-normal daytime highs initially. 

Minimum (nighttime) temperatures will likely also stay above normal in most regions, with only limited areas seeing normal or slightly lower nights, the agency said.

In March specifically, certain parts of northeast, east India, and the Western Himalayan region may start with normal to slightly warmer than usual daytime temperatures, while other regions could be closer to normal.

What about the heatwave days?

IMD said that there will likely be above normal heatwave days over most parts of the country during the March-to-May (MAM) season and the heatwaves can last from two to more than 15-days over districts in northwest India, the Gangetic plains, central and southern states.

The IMD warns that heatwave days, defined as periods of extremely high temperatures, are expected to occur more frequently than usual during this March-May period. 

This increase could be seen across a large part of the country, including parts of West Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra (south & east), Uttar Pradesh (east), Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, North Karnataka, North Tamil Nadu. 

This means more days of blistering heat than typical for this time of year. 

What will be the impact?

The IMD has now prepared seasonal and monthly temperature forecast outlooks for the country for the upcoming hot weather season (March to May 2026), the statement said.

The agency suggests that heat stress could have widespread impacts including:

• Public health risks, especially for the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and people with health issues
• Higher demand for electricity and water supply
• Pressure on essential services such as healthcare and public utilities
• Challenges for agriculture, especially for summer crops and harvesting activities

The IMD recommends that people should stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to midday heat, and take necessary precautions to protect health and well-being as temperatures rise.