IMD Forecasts Above-Normal Temperatures and Extended Heatwaves Across India in May
01-May-2025 01:54 PM
New Delhi. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast above-normal maximum temperatures across most parts of the country during May 2025, warning that several regions may experience intense heat or heatwave conditions for 1 to 4 days. However, intermittent thunderstorms are also expected, which could moderate the overall severity of the heat compared to the extreme conditions seen in May 2024.
According to IMD officials, minimum temperatures are also likely to remain above average, particularly in regions such as western Rajasthan and Gujarat, where night temperatures could be notably higher than in other areas.
Heatwave duration may exceed 4 days in key states, including Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, while prolonged heatwaves are also anticipated in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and northern Karnataka.
Typically, India sees heatwaves for 1 to 3 days during May, but this year, the duration could extend to 4–5 days or more, depending on rising maximum temperatures. The IMD's Director General noted that, except for parts of South-West Peninsular India, most regions are at risk of facing prolonged heatwave conditions.
On the rainfall front, most parts of the country—excluding sections of Northeast India, Central India, and Northwestern provinces—are likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall during May.
Pre-monsoon showers, accompanied by thunder and lightning, are expected to bring significant relief and could be beneficial for summer crops. Nationally, rainfall is projected to be up to 109% of the Long Period Average (LPA), which stands at 61.4 mm for May.
In April 2025, the country recorded a total of 72 heatwave days across various regions. Rajasthan and Gujarat faced the brunt with 6 to 11 heatwave days, while eastern Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha experienced 4 to 6 days, and eastern central India, Maharashtra, and adjoining northern peninsular regions saw 1 to 3 heatwave days.