India Meteorological Department has forecasted hotter-than-usual summer predicting nearly double number of heatwave days across Northwest India.
The region typically records five to six heatwave days in summers but is likely to experience 10 to 12 days of heatwave days this year.
IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy said that West and Central India is expected to experience above normal heatwave conditions this year.
"We are expecting slightly above normal heatwave conditions, especially over West and Central India. Generally, Northwest India sees around 5 to 6 heatwave days. This year, we expect 10 to 12 days, which is double the normal", says Roy.
She further added that although the forecast suggests above-normal heat throughout the season, IMD will update daily forecasts to provide more accurate local variations.
IMD did not comment on whether the year will be warmer than 2024 which was India's hottest year on record. The country experienced 554 heatwave days last year.
According to MeT, heatwave is defined as when maximum temperature reaches at least 40 degree Celsius or is five degrees above normal.
The IMD's latest Seasonal Heat Outlook for March to May has warned that most areas of the country will experience above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures. However, the southernmost parts of Peninsular India and a few isolated regions in the Northeast may experience near-normal or slightly below-normal temperatures.
"During the season (MAM), above-normal minimum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country except some isolated sounternmost regions of Peninsular India where normal minimum temperatures are likely", says the forecast.
North India is expected to experience higher temperatures in the coming days, with Delhi and its surrounding areas seeing an increase of 1-2 degrees Celsius.
However, the arrival of north-westerly winds is likely to cause a sharp drop in maximum temperatures by 3-4 degrees due to dust-raising winds from Rajasthan. The winds are likely sweep across Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan at a speed of 20-30 km/h for next three days, making the weather dusty and dry.
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