The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warns that North West India may experience twice as many heatwaves this summer. Normally, this region has about 5 to 6 days of extreme heat, but this year it could go up to 10 to 12 days.
IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy explained, “We expect higher heat than usual, especially in West and Central India. This year’s heatwave days could be double the normal amount.” However, she noted that just because there might be more heatwave days doesn’t mean every single day will be extremely hot.
The IMD also mentioned that last year, in 2024, was the hottest year in India with 554 heatwave days. A heatwave is when temperatures in plain areas hit at least 40 degrees Celsius or are 5 degrees above the normal average for the season.
Most parts of the country are expected to be hotter than usual this summer. However, some southern and northeastern states might have normal or even cooler temperatures. The IMD’s forecast for March to May shows that many areas will have above-normal minimum temperatures, except for a few southern regions where temperatures will be normal.
In light of this news, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh is taking action to combat the heat, including setting up fire control rooms in every divisional forest.
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