IMD Predicts More Heatwave Days In Several States As April-June Forecast To Be Hotter Than Usual — Details
IMD forecasted that several parts of the country will face higher-than-normal maximum temperatures, excluding some areas in the western and eastern parts of India, where the temperatures will be normal.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted on Monday that from April to June, India is likely to experience hotter-than-usual temperatures along with more heatwave days in central and eastern India and the northwestern plains.
Speaking in an online press conference, India Meteorological Department (IMD) chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated that several parts of the country will experience higher-than-normal maximum temperatures, excluding some areas in the western and eastern parts of India where the temperatures will be normal. Additionally, the minimum temperatures will also be above normal in several regions.
"From April to June, most parts of north and east India, central India, and the plains of northwest India are expected to experience two to four more heatwave days than normal," PTI quoted him as saying.
On average, India faces four to seven heatwave days from April to June. Previously, an IMD official highlighted that northwest India might experience double the number of heatwave days during the summer. During the season, the region, on average, also experiences five to six heatwaves.
India To Witness Higher-Than-Average Maximum Temperatures In April: IMD
Several states are expected to experience an above-normal number of heatwave days, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and the northern regions of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
In April, much of India is likely to witness higher-than-average maximum temperatures, though certain areas in the far south and northwest may see normal conditions.
Minimum temperatures are also expected to be above average in most parts of the country, except for a few locations in the northwest and northeast, where they may remain normal or slightly below normal, according to Mohapatra.
Experts have cautioned that India should prepare for a 9 to 10 per cent rise in peak electricity demand this summer, as the country is projected to experience more frequent heatwave days.
In 2023, India's peak electricity demand surpassed 250 gigawatts (GW) on May 30, exceeding estimates by 6.3 per cent. Rising heat stress, driven by climate change, is a significant factor contributing to the increasing electricity demand.
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