The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the April-June summer season will be hotter than usual across most parts of the country. Both maximum (day) and minimum (night) temperatures are expected to be above normal, with an increased number of heatwave days anticipated during the three-month period. States including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of northern Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are predicted to experience 2-4 more heatwave days than normal. The eastern regions could face up to 10-11 heatwave days.

IMD chief M. Mohapatra highlighted the risks of elevated temperatures, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with existing health issues, who are at higher risk of heatstroke and exhaustion. Extended periods of intense heat could also strain power grids and transport systems. Consequently, the IMD urges local authorities to prepare and implement heat action plans in advance.

The department also forecasts that, aside from certain regions in the west and east-central parts of the country, most areas will experience above-normal maximum temperatures through the summer months. As for rainfall, the IMD’s upcoming monsoon forecast, due in mid-April, will consider climatic factors including the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) to predict the upcoming monsoon season.