IMD Warns of Double Heatwave Days for Northwest India: Forecast for 2025
The IMD forecasts a hotter summer for Northwest India, predicting 10-12 heatwave days from March to May 2025, nearly double the normal. Above-normal temperatures are expected across most of India, but some regions may remain near-normal. Temporary cooling may come from north-westerly winds, prompting heat protection advisories.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that Northwest India will experience an extreme summer, with an anticipated increase in heatwave days from the typical five to six days per season to 10 to 12 days. IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy emphasized that while above-normal heatwave conditions are expected, not every day will necessarily be hotter than usual. The IMD will provide updated forecasts to improve local accuracy.
The IMD’s report doesn’t confirm if summer 2025 will exceed last year’s record, where India recorded an unprecedented 554 heatwave days in 2024. According to IMD, a heatwave occurs when maximum temperatures reach or exceed 40 degrees Celsius or are five degrees above normal.
Their Seasonal Heat Outlook for March to May 2025, released recently, indicates that much of India will experience above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures. Exceptions include some southern parts of Peninsular India and certain Northeast regions that may have normal or slightly below-normal temperatures for this period.
In North India, temperatures are predicted to rise further, with areas around Delhi expected to see increases of 1-2 degrees Celsius. However, north-westerly winds from Rajasthan may provide short-term relief by reducing temperatures by 3-4 degrees Celsius.
These winds, moving at 20-30 km/h, will result in dusty and dry weather in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan over the next few days. Authorities are likely to issue heat protection advisories to prepare residents for the hot conditions expected ahead.
In summary, the IMD warns of a significant increase in heatwave days for Northwest India during the March-May 2025 period, predicting 10 to 12 heatwave days instead of the usual five to six. Though above-normal temperatures are expected across most of India, some regions may see near-normal conditions. Temporary relief is anticipated from north-westerly winds, but heat protection measures will be necessary as conditions worsen.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
