Each year, summer in India comes with diverse challenges. Based on the predictions by weather experts, the period between April and June normally brings scorching sun and widespread heat waves across the country. 2024 was the warmest year in India since the beginning of the 20th century, and this year is going to be no exception.
Severe heat waves have already intensified across several states in India, including Karnataka, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Odisha. Many regions recorded temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, prompting authorities to issue heatwave warnings and public advisories to ensure safety.
Several districts in Jharkhand, including Chaibasha, Bokaro Thermal, Ranchi, and more, are experiencing degrees within 37-40 degrees Celsius. Ainapur Hobli village in Kalaburagi, North Karnataka, has recorded the highest temperature at 42.8 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the western districts of West Bengal, including Jhargram, Bankura, Paschim Medinipur, Birbhum, and Paschim Bardhaman, are already experiencing a severe heatwave.
Even in Kolkata, the minimum temperature was recorded at 26.3 degrees Celsius on the last Saturday, which is 3.7 degrees above normal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned northwestern parts of the country to endure a much hotter summer in 2025. Thus, the states are Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. And the National Capital Territory is also being engulfed by the scorching summer season.
Unprecedented Heat Waves Predicted by IMD for 2025
The summer heat of 2025 (April to June), above maximum temperature, is most likely to affect most parts of the countries except west peninsular India and isolated regions of east-central and east India. Even the strong surface winds (20-30 KMPH gusting to 40 KMPH) are likely to continue over Northwest India.
If we look into the monthly temperature outlook for April to June 2025 forecasted by IMD, from April to June 2025’s above-normal minimum temperature is likely to affect most parts of the country. The above-normal number of heatwave days in India is most likely to affect east and central India and adjoining peninsular India.
As per IMD, the sea surface condition also affects the climate condition of the Indian subcontinent in summer. Here, we need to consider El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the warming of the ocean surface in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean and La Niña, the periodic cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific.
The predictions showcase the ENSO condition is transitioning from a weak La Niña to an ENSO-neutral state with above-average. Thus, it can be said that ENSO conditions are likely to affect India in this summer season.
The India Meteorological Department has also predicted significant risks, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and strain infrastructure such as transportation systems and power grids. In order to mitigate such risks, anticipatory actions can be taken as per the guidelines of state and national disaster management authorities. The mitigation strategies might include access to cooling centers, issuing heat advisories, and implementing strategies to alleviate urban heat island effects in the affected areas.
Guidance to Combat the Heat
Sitting in the house is not enough to dodge the warmer days of summer. Here are some points that can be beneficial to get rid of the scorching heat of summer 2025.
- Remain hydrated to stay healthy and consume hydrating fruits and vegetables.
- Follow the heat action plans initiated by IMD and local authorities to remain safe from the heat waves.
- Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing with fabrics that are breathable and help your body remain cool.
- Keep the living space cool by closing curtains or blinds to block out the sun and prevent the indoor temperature from rising.
- Try to avoid intense physical activities during the hottest hours of the day.
End Note
Like the last year, the summer of 2025 is also expected to be a challenging one for India, with heat waves set to stretch across the nation from April to June. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has already predicted certain impacts of heat waves, as there can be unusual temperature rises. Thus, it contributes to both natural climate shifts and the ever-growing impact of climate change.
Decreasing the heat is not possible, but it is crucial for people, governments, and communities to take necessary precautions to safeguard health. Additionally, it is also necessary to protect crops and ensure that urban infrastructure can withstand these increasingly frequent heat waves. With adequate preparation and swift action, India can weather this harsh summer and work towards building a more climate-resilient future.
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