Produced by: Tarun Mishra
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast indicating a harsh and arid summer over many regions of the country from April to June.
The IMD predicts a high probability of heatwave episodes lasting as long as 10 to 20 days during this period, significantly longer than the usual duration.
The summer season is expected to commence with notably high day temperatures in states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.
During April, heatwave spells lasting for 2 to 8 days are expected to impact regions such as Andhra Pradesh, Saurashtra-Kutch, Maharashtra, and western parts of Madhya Pradesh.
The performance of pre-monsoon rainfall is anticipated to be below average, particularly over coastal India, eastern, and south peninsular India, continuing the dry trend since February.
Most regions across the country are projected to experience above-normal maximum temperatures during the summer season, with some exceptions in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, northern Odisha, and eastern India.
The ongoing El Nino conditions, characterized by abnormal warming of the sea surface along the equatorial Pacific Ocean, are expected to contribute to prolonged heatwave spells. El Nino typically suppresses rainfall over India and elevates global temperatures.
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha are likely to experience extreme high day temperatures and heightened heatwave spells during April to June, prompting cautionary measures to mitigate heat-related risks.