While most of India will have above-normal temperatures, with the exception of some areas in the South and Northeast, northwest India will see a severe summer with 10–12 heatwave days.
This season, Northwest India is expected to see almost twice as many heatwave days as usual, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This year, there will likely be 10 to 12 hot days in the area, compared to the usual five to six.
IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy stated, “We are expecting slightly above normal heatwave conditions, especially over West and Central India. Generally, Northwest India sees around 5 to 6 heatwave days. This year, we expect 10 to 12 days, which is double the normal.” However, she clarified that this is a seasonal projection and does not imply that every day of the season will be abnormally hot.
She added that although the forecast indicates above-normal temperatures on a larger scale, the IMD will keep improving forecasts with daily and extended-range updates for more accurate local information.
Regarding whether 2025 will top 2024, which was India’s hottest year ever, the IMD remained silent. There were 554 heatwave days in the nation last year.
