Heatwave in India: IMD Predicts Harsh Summer in April and May Followed by Above Normal Monsoon
In a recent forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a significant heatwave is expected to sweep across parts of India during the months of April and May. This looming heatwave in India brings with it temperatures that are anticipated to rise well above the usual norms, affecting vast regions across the country.
According to the IMD’s predictions, this year’s summer is gearing up to be particularly harsh, with the thermometer readings slated to climb unusually high. The weather agency’s announcement on Friday highlighted that the entire nation should brace for an abnormal increase in temperature, underscoring the severity of the impending heatwave conditions.
Dr. Naresh Kumar, a senior scientist with the IMD, provided insights into the weather patterns that are likely to dominate the upcoming months. “We are expecting above-normal temperatures as we approach April. In April, we will experience heatwave conditions over the central part of the country,” Dr. Kumar remarked. He emphasized that May, typically the warmest month, will not be spared from the heatwave, especially over northwest and central India.
Further elaborating on the long-term weather outlook, Dr. Kumar noted, “Our long-term predictions indicate that there will be abnormal temperatures, and heatwave conditions may prevail over the central part of the country for the next two to three months.” This forecast paints a daunting picture of prolonged heatwave conditions that could impact daily life and the environment.
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The weather pattern is not uniform across all regions, however. The IMD has also forecasted heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh currently, offering a temporary respite from the dry and warm conditions elsewhere. Similarly, very light rainfall is expected in Delhi in the coming days, which could slightly mitigate the heat for the capital’s residents.
Dr. Kumar also touched upon the current weather conditions in northwestern India, attributing the abnormal temperatures to Western disturbances. “At present, temperatures in northwest India are abnormal, and as Western disturbances are affecting this region today, the temperature will fall gradually, making it slightly more comfortable,” he explained. Nevertheless, he cautioned that the overall trend for the summer season points to temperatures consistently above 35°C in Northwest India.
As the heatwave conditions are set to continue over parts of India such as Maharashtra and Karnataka in the next few days, the IMD’s forecast serves as a critical reminder for residents to prepare for the hot months ahead. Dr. Kumar’s observations about the heatwave conditions over Madhya Pradesh and the dry weather prevailing over central India further underscore the varied impact of this year’s summer season across the country.
With the forecasted heatwave in India, it’s crucial for communities and authorities to take appropriate measures to mitigate its effects, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents during these challenging times.
(With inputs from Hindustan Times and PTI)
