New Delhi, Feb 28 (.) Following an early onset of heat around mid-February, above-normal day temperatures are very likely across most parts of the country during the upcoming hot weather season (March to May), the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said today.
However, some parts of northwest and central India may experience normal to below-normal maximum temperatures during this period.
Minimum temperatures are also expected to remain above normal over most regions, except parts of the southern peninsula and isolated pockets elsewhere, where normal to below-normal minimum temperatures may occur, the weather office said.
The IMD also warned of above-normal number of heatwave days over most parts of east and east-central India, many areas of the southeast peninsula, and some parts of northwest and west-central India between March and May. During March specifically, isolated regions of Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh are expected to witness above-normal heatwave days.
For March, monthly maximum temperatures are mostly expected tremain in the range of normal to below normal over many parts of the country. However, northeast India, adjoining eastern regions, and parts of the western Himalayan region, central India, and the peninsula are likely to record above-normal day temperatures. Night temperatures in March, meanwhile, are projected to be above normal across most parts of the country, except sections of northwest India, the southern peninsula, and areas along the east coast, where normal to below-normal minimum temperatures are expected.
Rainfall during March is likely to be normal to above normal over many regions, except northeast India and parts of northwest and east-central India, where below-normal rainfall is anticipated. Climate records show that late-winter warming and higher temperatures in pre-,monsoon accelerated in late 1990s and early 2000s. Since 2010, however, early heat anomalies have become more frequent and intense, with several years after 2015 ranking among the warmest on record.
Scientists attribute this trend to long-term global warming, declining winter precipitation, fewer strong western disturbances, and changing land-atmosphere dynamics. Rapid urbanisation and the urban heat island effect have further amplified regional warming. Rising temperatures carry serious implications beyond discomfort. They strain water resources, affect power generation, and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
. XC PPP