New Delhi, April 30, 2025 – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a hotter-than-usual May for most parts of the country, warning of elevated maximum temperatures and more heatwave days, particularly across central, northwestern, and eastern India.
According to the IMD’s latest monthly climate outlook, regions including Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Gangetic West Bengal are likely to experience one to four additional days of heatwave conditions compared to normal. Other regions such as Gujarat, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, north Karnataka, Maharashtra, and adjoining Telangana will also witness intense heat spells.
While central and north India brace for scorching conditions, southern peninsular regions and select parts of eastern India may be spared, with forecasts indicating near-normal temperatures there.
In terms of rainfall, the IMD projects normal to above-normal precipitation across large parts of the country. However, below-normal rainfall is expected in areas of northwest, central, and northeast India. North India is likely to see more than 109% of its long-period average rainfall of 64.1 mm, offering some potential relief from the rising temperatures.
The report also highlights significant water scarcity risks, urging authorities and residents to take precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of extreme weather.
