The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that northwestern parts of the country are likely to endure a much hotter summer this year, with nearly twice the usual number of heatwave days.
Typically, the region experiences five to six heatwave days per season, but this year, the IMD forecasts 10 to 12.
"We are expecting slightly above-normal heatwave conditions, especially over West and Central India. Generally, Northwest India sees around five to six heatwave days. This year, we expect 10 to 12 days, which is double the normal," Soma Sen Roy, an IMD scientist told news agency ANI.
Roy clarified that this is a seasonal outlook and does not mean every day will be unusually hot.
The IMD has not confirmed whether this summer will exceed 2024’s unprecedented heat, when India recorded a staggering 554 heatwave days— the highest in the country’s history.
A heatwave is officially declared when temperatures reach at least 40 degrees Celsius in the plains or at least 30 degrees in the hills or rises five degrees above the seasonal average.
According to the Seasonal Heat Outlook for March to May 2025, released by IMD on February 28, most of India is expected to experience above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures.
However, some southernmost parts of peninsular India and isolated areas in the northeast may witness near-normal or slightly cooler conditions.
The report noted, “Above-normal minimum temperatures are likely across most of the country, except in certain southernmost regions of Peninsular India, where normal minimum temperatures are expected.”
In the coming days, northern parts of India will see temperatures climb further, with Delhi and neighbouring regions likely to warm by 1-2 degrees. However, a brief spell of relief is expected as north-westerly winds from Rajasthan sweep through, bringing a sudden 3-4 degree drop in temperatures.
These winds, blowing at 20-30 km/h, will carry dust across Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan over the next three days, leading to dry and hazy conditions.
With heatwave conditions set to intensify, authorities are expected to issue heat advisories, urging residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the scorching months ahead.