IMD predicts hotter-than-usual summer for India

India is set to face higher-than-usual temperatures from April to June, with an increased number of heatwave days in central and eastern India and the northwestern plains, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday. Most of the country will experience above-normal maximum temperatures, except for some areas in western and eastern India where temperatures are expected to be normal.

IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, speaking in an online press conference, stated, “From April to June, most parts of north and east India, central India, and the plains of northwest India are expected to experience two to four more heatwave days than normal.”

More Heatwave Days in Several States

India usually records four to seven heatwave days between April and June. However, an IMD official previously warned that northwest India might face double the usual number of heatwave days this year.

States likely to experience above-normal heatwave days include:

• Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab
• Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh
• Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha
• Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
• Northern Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

Temperature Trends in April

In April, most parts of India are expected to see higher-than-normal maximum temperatures. However, some areas in the far south and northwest may experience normal temperatures. Minimum temperatures will also be above usual in most regions, except for a few places in the northwest and northeast where they may remain normal or slightly below normal, Mohapatra explained.

Increased Electricity Demand Due to Heat Stress

Experts have cautioned that India should prepare for a 9 to 10 per cent rise in peak electricity demand this summer due to the expected heatwave conditions. Last year, India’s peak electricity demand crossed 250 gigawatts (GW) on May 30, exceeding projections by 6.3 per cent.

Climate change-related heat stress is a major factor behind the rising electricity demand, making it crucial for authorities to prepare for potential power supply challenges in the coming months.

Inputs from PTI