India is preparing for a hotter-than-usual summer this year, with weather experts warning that temperatures from March to May could remain above normal across many parts of the country. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects a higher number of heatwave days than usual, following an already unusually warm February. Some regions have already recorded temperatures several degrees above seasonal averages, signalling that the summer heat may arrive earlier and last longer than usual.
These rising temperatures could create challenges for agriculture, water supplies and public health. Crops such as wheat and pulses, which rely on cooler weather during their growth period, may suffer from heat stress, potentially affecting harvests. At the same time, prolonged heatwaves could increase the risk of heat-related illnesses and push up electricity demand as millions rely more heavily on cooling systems during extreme heat. More