New Delhi, May 9, 2025
India has entered another year marked by extreme heat, with forecasts indicating that large parts of the country will experience above-normal daytime and nighttime temperatures throughout 2025.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), while the upcoming southwest monsoon is expected to be normal, a sharp increase in the number of heatwave days is likely in many regions. The dual impact of extreme daytime heat and unusually warm nights is expected to worsen health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
With temperatures already climbing, reports of heatwave and warm night conditions have begun to emerge across the country. The situation poses serious challenges to public health, especially for informal workers and outdoor laborers who endure prolonged exposure to heat without respite, even during the night when bodies typically cool down.
Warm nights, often overlooked, are proving to be especially dangerous. The inability of the human body to recover from daytime heat stress can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and long-term cardiovascular complications.
Weekly data analysis shows that while many regions are currently experiencing average or below-normal temperatures, several northern and Northeastern cities are seeing an unusual rise. Cities such as Srinagar, Leh, Itanagar, Guwahati, Imphal, Kohima, and Agartala are reporting temperature spikes that are atypical for this time of the year, signaling a potentially severe summer ahead.
As the season progresses, experts caution that persistent high temperatures and warm nights could lead to cascading impacts on public health, agriculture, energy consumption, and water availability. State and local authorities are being urged to activate heat action plans, enhance public awareness, and ensure the availability of emergency health services to mitigate the growing threat.