India Forecasters Warn of Abnormally Hot Summer Ahead

AFP | New Delhi, India
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India can expect hotter-than-usual temperatures this summer, with more heatwave days posing risks to lives and livelihoods, the weather office has warned.

The country is no stranger to scorching summers, but scientific research has shown that climate change is making heatwaves longer, more frequent, and more intense.

Summer in India lasts from April to June, with temperatures often soaring past 45°C (113°F) at the season’s peak.

This year, the hot weather season will see “above-normal” maximum temperatures across most parts of the country, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in a forecast released late Monday.

The number of heatwave days—when temperatures are significantly above the long-term average—is also expected to rise.

“Up to 10 heatwave days or even more can be expected, especially over East India,” IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra told reporters.

India typically experiences four to seven heatwave days between April and June.

Heat Stress and Risks

Infants, the elderly, people with health conditions, and outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures.

Heat stress can cause symptoms ranging from dizziness and headaches to organ failure and death.

City dwellers, surrounded by concrete and brick structures that absorb heat, face even greater risks.

Prolonged extreme heat can also strain infrastructure, affecting power grids, water supplies, and transportation systems.