April-June likely to be hotter than usual across India: IMD

NEW DELHI: The April-June summer season is likely to be hotter than normal over most parts of the country with both maximum (day) and minimum (night) temperatures, and number of heatwave days expected to be 'above-normal' during the three months, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday.
During the period, the number of heatwave days is also expected to be higher than normal (2-4 additional heatwave days) over Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and northern parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
"Eastern region of India may experience up to 10-11 heatwave days during April-June," said IMD chief, M Mohapatra, while releasing temperature and rainfall outlook for the coming months.
During heatwaves, elevated temperatures pose significant risks, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Additionally, prolonged periods of extreme heat can lead to dehydration and strain on infrastructure such as power grids and transportation systems, and therefore the IMD expects "anticipatory actions" by local authorities as per the existing guidelines and heat action plans.
"During the 2025 hot weather season (April to June), above-normal maximum temperatures are most likely over most parts of the country, except some parts of west peninsular India and isolated regions of east-central and east India where normal maximum temperatures are most likely," said Mohapatra.
Even in April, above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country except some parts of extreme south peninsular India and northwest India, where normal maximum temperatures are most likely.
As far as rainfall is concerned, the Met department will come out with its first stage long-term forecast for the upcoming monsoon season (June-Sept) in mid-April when it will predict extent of quantitative rainfall for the period factoring in various climatic phenomena including the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).