New Delhi – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast above-normal temperatures across most parts of the country during May, although periodic thunderstorms may help prevent extreme heat conditions similar to those witnessed in 2024.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated that the number of heatwave days is likely to exceed the norm by one to four days in key northern and central states, including Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Gangetic West Bengal.
Other regions such as Gujarat, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, adjoining Telangana, and north Karnataka are also expected to experience a higher-than-average number of heatwave days.
“Typically, most regions in India—excluding the southwest Peninsular region—witness one to three heatwave days in May. However, this year, an uptick is expected due to persisting warm weather patterns,” Mohapatra explained.
Relief in Sight Through Thunderstorms and Rainfall
Despite the looming heat, the IMD has offered a sliver of hope. Frequent and intense thunderstorms throughout May are expected to keep temperatures from surging to the dangerous levels recorded last year.
Rainfall patterns also point toward normal to above-normal precipitation across most parts of the country, except for some pockets in northwest, central, and northeast India. Northern India, in particular, is likely to receive above-normal rainfall—more than 109% of the long-period average of 64.1 mm, Mohapatra said.
April Heatwave Trends Raise Concerns
April 2025 witnessed 72 heatwave days across the country—an unusually high number. States like Rajasthan and Gujarat reported 6 to 11 days of heatwave conditions, while east Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha experienced 4 to 6 days, significantly higher than the typical two to three days.
Interestingly, east-central India, Maharashtra, and parts of northern Peninsular India saw slightly fewer heatwave days than normal, ranging from one to three days, against the usual average of two to three.
Caution Ahead
The IMD has urged state governments and local authorities to prepare for rising temperatures and possible heat-related health concerns, especially in vulnerable regions.
With May marking the peak of summer in India before the onset of the southwest monsoon, the IMD’s forecast serves both as a warning and a guide for mitigation strategies.
