As the scorching summer months of 2025 approach, India is gearing up for an intensely hot season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a rise in both day and night temperatures across most parts of the country, with an alarming increase in the number of heatwave days.
Set to begin on April 1 and continue through June 30, this summer promises to bring more extreme heat, especially in the northern and eastern regions of India, where temperatures are expected to surpass the usual highs. According to the IMD’s latest summer forecast, this year’s heat will likely exceed the normal levels that many regions are accustomed to. With temperatures often crossing 45°C during the peak of summer, the forecast warns that there will be between 6 and 10 heatwave days, especially in eastern India, compared to the usual 4 to 7 heatwave days seen in a typical year. A heatwave is officially declared when temperatures hit 45°C or more, with even more severe conditions being labelled as “severe heatwaves” when temperatures exceed 47°C.
This stark warning comes on the back of an already exceptional series of heat records observed in the country since March 2024. According to IMD’s director general, the severity and frequency of these heatwaves are unprecedented. The long-term trend reflects broader climate shifts, with extreme heat events becoming a regular fixture across India’s summer seasons. While the heat impacts everyone, vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions remain at heightened risk, with heatstroke and dehydration being common consequences. While the forecast suggests a largely dry March, rainfall is expected to provide some relief in the following months. IMD predicts normal rainfall levels across the country between April and June, although rainfall will be below average in some areas. Above-normal precipitation is expected in several parts of northwest India, peninsular India, and the northeast, offering a respite from the heat. However, much of the country may still experience drier conditions, which could exacerbate the intensity of the heatwaves in some regions.
In addition to the physical discomfort of elevated temperatures, the heat will also put a significant strain on infrastructure. Power grids, transportation systems, and water resources will likely face increased pressure, especially in urban areas where cooling demands skyrocket. This puts a greater burden on cities already struggling with water shortages and power cuts, potentially hindering both economic productivity and quality of life. To mitigate the adverse effects of this rising heat, the IMD has called on local authorities and citizens to implement proactive measures. The IMD stresses the need for comprehensive heat action plans, urging urban areas to establish cooling centres and heat relief shelters. In addition, the agency has advised that state and national disaster management authorities issue timely heat advisories to ensure public safety, especially in high-risk zones. Cities across India will also need to address the growing issue of urban heat islands — areas that experience significantly higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activity and the concentration of buildings.
The IMD highlights that urban planning strategies that incorporate green spaces, tree plantations, and reflective roofing can play a key role in reducing the overall temperature in metropolitan areas, making them more resilient to the intensifying heat. This year’s forecast is a wake-up call for India to address the accelerating challenges posed by climate change. The increase in extreme weather events, particularly heatwaves, has already begun to affect the lives and livelihoods of millions, and there is no sign of this trend reversing in the immediate future. As the summer unfolds, it will be crucial for both individuals and authorities to act swiftly and ensure that heatwave preparedness measures are in place to safeguard the well-being of the nation’s population.
Ultimately, while the summer of 2025 will bring hotter days, it also offers an opportunity for India to rethink how it adapts to an increasingly unpredictable climate. By prioritising eco-friendly infrastructure, sustainable energy practices, and climate-resilient urban planning, the country can better shield itself from the damaging effects of these extreme temperature spikes in the years ahead.
