The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stark warning that northwestern states are set to endure a significantly hotter summer in 2025 with heatwave conditions expected to last nearly twice as long as usual. Typically, the region experiences five to six heatwave days per season but this year the IMD forecasts 10 to 12, raising concerns over extreme temperatures and their impact on public health agriculture, and water resources.
IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy explained that while this projection does not mean every day will be exceptionally hot, overall heatwave conditions are expected to be above normal, particularly over West and Central India. The seasonal heat outlook for March to May 2025, released on February 28, indicates that most of India will experience above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures, with the exception of some southernmost parts of Peninsular India and isolated pockets in the northeast, where temperatures may remain near normal.
Although the IMD has not yet confirmed whether this summer will surpass the record-breaking heat of 2024 when India witnessed an unprecedented 554 heatwave days, the highest in its history the alarming forecast suggests that extreme weather patterns could persist. According to IMD definitions a heatwave is officially declared when temperatures reach at least 40 degrees Celsius in the plains or 30 degrees Celsius in the hills, or when temperatures rise five degrees above the seasonal average.
In the immediate future northern parts of the country, including Delhi and its neighboring regions are expected to see a 1-2 degree increase in temperatures. However temporary respite may arrive as north-westerly winds from Rajasthan sweep through, triggering a sudden 3-4 degree drop in temperatures. These winds, moving at speeds of 20-30 km/h, will likely carry dust across Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, creating dry and hazy conditions over the next three days.
As heatwave conditions intensify, authorities are expected to issue advisories urging residents to take necessary precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses. With summer temperatures on the rise, concerns over water shortages, power demand surges, and agricultural stress are also mounting, prompting calls for improved heatwave preparedness and climate resilience strategies across the country.