New Delhi [India]: As large parts of India gear up for a sweltering summer, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave alerts for several northern and western states, forecasting an exceptionally hot season from April to June 2025.
From Rajasthan and Delhi to Gujarat’s Saurashtra-Kutch region, temperatures have already risen above seasonal norms — and the intensity is expected to increase in the coming days.
“Severe heatwave conditions are likely in Rajasthan for the next 4–5 days,” said IMD Scientist Akhil Srivastava in a statement to ANI. “Gujarat and the Saurashtra-Kutch region are already facing heatwaves, expected to persist for the next 5–7 days.”
🔥 North and West India in the Heatwave Grip
According to Srivastava, Punjab and Haryana may soon experience heatwave conditions. Meanwhile, Delhi is witnessing temperatures 3°C above normal, ranging between 38°C and 40°C.
A heatwave-like condition is expected to develop in the capital by April 7.
However, a western disturbance could bring rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds to the Western Himalayan region between April 8 and 10, potentially offering brief relief.
🌧 Rainfall in the South, But Not for Long
While the north swelters, southern India is seeing active rainfall. Heavy isolated rain is forecast over Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and south interior Karnataka over the next two days.
Several districts in Tamil Nadu experienced heavy showers. In Tiruppur, waterlogging affected homes, prompting municipal teams to respond. IMD’s Chennai centre issued warnings for light thunderstorms and lightning in some areas.
Rainfall highlights:
- Kanyakumari (Kozhiporvilai): 19 cm
- Tiruppur North: 11 cm
- Erode (Nambiyur), Coimbatore AP, Sulur: 8 cm
- Nilgiris (Kil Kotagiri Estate), Theni (Sothuparai): 9 cm
- Ramanathapuram: up to 7 cm
- Kadaladi, Mudukulathur, Mandapam: 2–5 cm
- Tondi, Pamban: 1 cm
🌡 IMD Predicts Above-Normal Summer, No El Niño Risk
In a broader outlook, IMD Director General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that El Niño conditions are unlikely to impact the upcoming monsoon. However, above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast across most parts of the country.
“We are not expecting El Niño during the monsoon. But from April to June, India is likely to experience more heatwave days than usual,” Mohapatra stated.
🔺 States to Brace for Frequent Heatwaves:
- Northwest India: Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh
- Central India: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
- Western India: Gujarat, Maharashtra
- Eastern India: Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha
- Southern India: Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, northern Tamil Nadu, northern Karnataka
Some regions in west peninsular India, east-central India, and parts of eastern India may see normal temperatures, offering mild relief.