India: India is set to experience an intense heatwave this summer, with above-normal temperatures expected across most regions, the country’s weather department has warned.
Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, chief of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), said multiple states could witness more heatwave days than usual this year. Some regions have already recorded weekly average minimum temperatures exceeding normal levels by 1-3°C in February.
Extreme heat poses a severe risk to public health and key sectors such as agriculture, where water shortages can have devastating effects. In 2024, India recorded its hottest day on May 28, with temperatures soaring to 50.5°C in Churu, Rajasthan.
The country’s health ministry attributed 143 deaths to heatwaves between March and June last year. However, independent experts believe the actual toll is much higher. The Heat Watch 2024 report documented 733 heat stroke-related deaths across 17 states during the same period.
Seasonal outlook for hot weather season (April to June) 2025 and Monthly Outlook for April 2025 for the Rainfall and Temperature
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— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) March 31, 2025
This year, states including Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha could face up to 10-11 heatwave days, Mohapatra said in a press conference. Mohapatra stated that, “From April to June, most parts of north and east India, central India, and the plains of north-west India are expected to experience two-to-four more heatwave days than normal.”
Mohapatra had previously warned that heatwaves could become more frequent in India without decisive action against extreme climate conditions. As the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, India remains heavily dependent on coal for energy.
Mohapatra stated that, “Human activities, increasing population, industrialisation, and transport mechanisms are contributing to rising concentrations of carbon monoxide, methane, and chloro-carbons. We are endangering not only ourselves but also future generations.”
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