India Braces for Above-Normal Heatwave Days This Spring
New Delhi – Most parts of India are expected to experience a higher-than-usual number of heatwave days between March and May, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD)’s monthly forecast released on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The forecast raises concerns about potential impacts on public health, water resources, and power demand.
Regions at Risk
The IMD identified several regions particularly vulnerable to intense heat: West Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, south and east Maharashtra, east Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of north Karnataka and north Tamil Nadu.
March Outlook: A Mixed Bag
While the overall outlook for March-May is concerning, the IMD indicates that March itself may see normal to below-normal temperatures in many parts of India. Exceptions include the northeast, east India, and portions of the Western Himalayan region, central India, and the peninsula, where temperatures are likely to be normal or above normal. Normal rainfall is also most likely across the country during March, with the average rainfall expected to be around 29.9 mm, based on data from 1971-2020. However, the northeast, northwest, and east-central India may experience below-normal rainfall.
Potential Impacts and Concerns
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra emphasized the potential risks associated with the anticipated heatwave conditions. These include significant threats to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Increased heat also poses challenges to water resources, power demand, and the delivery of essential services.
El Niño and Recent Weather Patterns
Currently, weak La Niña conditions are present over the equatorial Pacific. However, forecasts suggest a potential return to neutral El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions in the coming months. February 2026 saw the lowest rainfall across India since 2001, and no cold wave or cold day conditions were recorded during the month. The lack of active western disturbances and their interaction with easterly winds contributed to subdued snow and rainfall.
Temperature Trends in February
February experienced the tenth highest maximum temperature, the third highest minimum temperature, and the fifth highest mean temperature across India since 1901. Most regions, excluding the south peninsula and parts of central India, saw normal to above-normal maximum temperatures. Normal to above-normal minimum temperatures were observed across much of the country, except for the eastern peninsula and east-central India.
For the latest weather updates and forecasts, please refer to the official website of the India Meteorological Department: https://mausam.imd.gov.in/index_en.php