April Heatwave Forecast: Indian Meteorological Department Predicts Hot Spell Ahead
The Indian Meteorological Department predicts a heatwave in April with temperatures soaring to 40°C, signaling a hot spell ahead. Rainfall expected to be near normal, but temperatures likely to remain above average.
The IMD's long-range forecast predicts that both maximum and minimum temperatures will remain above normal, following an unusual warm March in 2025. Day temperatures could soar to 40°C next week, indicating the onset of a particularly hot spell. Rainfall in April is expected to be near normal, largely dependent on strong western disturbances affecting the region. However, no such systems are expected in the coming days.
IMD Chandigarh Director Surender Paul confirmed that the scorching trend is likely to continue through the summer season till June, with below-normal rain expected. Both maximum and minimum temperatures will remain above normal, with a high probability of heatwaves in May and June.
A heatwave is declared in the region when the maximum temperature crosses 40°C and goes over 4.5°C above normal. The maximum temperature already surged to 35.8°C on Thursday, 3.2°C above normal and the highest so far this year. The minimum temperature also climbed from 13.6°C to 15.1°C on Thursday but still 3.8 degrees below normal. Over the next three days, the maximum temperature is expected to hover between 35°C and 38°C, while the minimum temperature will stay between 14°C and 15°C.