India experienced a record of 536 heatwave days this summer, marking the highest in 14 years, with northwestern India recording its warmest June since 1901, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday.
In a virtual press conference, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated that the country recorded 181 heatwave days in June, the highest after 177 days in 2010.
"In 2024 summer, India experienced a total of 536 heatwave days, the highest after 2010 (578 days). In June, it experienced 181 heatwave days, surpassing 2010 (177 days)," he said, as per PTI.
Mohapatra noted that the monthly average maximum temperature in northwest India was 38.02 degrees Celsius, which is 1.96 degrees above normal. While the average minimum temperature was 25.44 degrees Celsius, 1.35 degrees above normal.
Northwest India marked a mean temperature of 31.73 degrees Celsius in June, 1.65 degrees Celsius above normal, marking the highest since 1901.
Northeast India faced a 33 per cent rainfall deficit in June, which Mohapatra attributed to the slow progress of the monsoon over northern and eastern regions due to a lack of weather systems. "Only one low-pressure area developed towards the end of June. Normally, we get three low-pressure systems. The Madden-Julian Oscillation was not favourable and therefore, we could not get enhanced convection and low-pressure systems," he said, PTI reported.
Absence Of Active Western Disturbances Contribute Prolong Dry Spells: IMD
The absence of active western disturbances, particularly from June 10 to June 19, contributed to prolonged dry spells and heatwaves in northwest and central India. Mohapatra mentioned that only three western disturbances were discovered across north India, compared to the usual four to five. One was observed from June 5-10, the second was from June 19-25, and the third was from June 26-28.
India experienced over 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases and more than 100 heat-related deaths during one of its most intense and prolonged heatwaves. The severe heat drained water supply systems and power grids, creating a significant water crisis in Delhi.
As per the report of the IMD, about 40 per cent of the country recorded twice the usual number of heatwave days from April to June. Temperatures exceeded 50 degrees Celsius in parts of Rajasthan, with night-time temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius in many areas.
Delhi experienced 40 consecutive days with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius since May 13, resulting in around 60 heat-related deaths, according to media reports.