Maharashtra Gears Up for Scorching Summer as IMD Predicts More Heatwave Days from April to June
Maharashtra Gears Up for Scorching Summer as IMD Predicts More Heatwave Days from April to June
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning predicting an exceptionally hot summer across the country, with Maharashtra among the states expected to experience a surge in heatwave days. According to the IMD forecast, the period from April to June will be significantly warmer than usual, with an increased frequency of heatwaves affecting various regions.
IMD officials have indicated that Maharashtra, along with Delhi, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, will see a sharp rise in heatwave occurrences. Northwest India, in particular, might endure double the usual number of heatwave days, raising concerns about extreme temperatures in urban and rural areas alike.
Speaking at an online press conference, IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra highlighted that minimum temperatures will also remain above normal in most parts of the country. “Not only will the days be hotter, but nights will also remain warm, offering little respite from the heat,” he stated.
Between April and June, northern, eastern, and central India, along with the plains of northwest India, are expected to witness two to four additional heatwave days beyond the average. Eastern states such as Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand may face six heatwave days, while Delhi and parts of northwest India could endure two to three additional days of extreme temperatures. Overall, eastern India is likely to experience 10-12 heatwave days during this period.
Several states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, are also on alert for above-normal heatwave conditions. Maharashtra, a key region of concern, is likely to bear the brunt of these extreme temperatures, affecting both urban centers like Mumbai and Pune and rural areas reliant on agriculture.
While most of India will experience higher-than-normal temperatures in April, a few areas in the far south and northwest might see normal temperature trends. However, the IMD has warned that minimum temperatures will remain above normal across the country, except for isolated pockets in the northwest and northeast, where they may be closer to average.
Experts caution that the prolonged heatwave conditions could lead to a surge in electricity demand. India’s peak power demand grew by 6.3% in May 2024, crossing 250 gigawatts, and is expected to rise by 9-10% this summer. Climate change is being cited as a key factor contributing to the increase in both temperature extremes and energy consumption.
With Maharashtra facing the prospect of an intense summer, authorities and residents are urged to take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of extreme heat in the coming months.
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