Above-Normal Heatwave Expected? India Braces for Extreme Weather in May

The weather might continue to trouble citizens in the month of May, as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of a rise in heatwave days. Several regions are expected to witness prolonged periods of high temperatures.

Most parts of the nation are expected to see around seven heatwave days in May, up from the usual four. Plus, the meteorological department is also expecting above-normal daytime and nighttime temperatures. However, higher-than-average rainfall might help offset the intensity of extreme heat seen last year.

"During May 2025, above normal heatwave days are likely over many parts of the northwest and central India and adjoining east India," the IMD bulletin read.

The number of heatwave days is likely to be above normal over many parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal and some parts of Gujarat, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and adjoining Telangana and north Karnataka, as per the bulletin.

Rainfall Brings Some Relief

While the heatwaves might be a point of concern for citizens, the overall rainfall weather is expected to be largely normal. According to the IMD, most regions are likely to receive average or slightly above-average rainfall. This might bring a sigh of relief to people as it could help mitigate the impact of soaring temperatures, especially in regions prone to extreme heat.

"The rainfall during May, 2025 averaged over the country as a whole is most likely to be above normal (> 109% of LPA). The normal to above-normal rainfall is likely over many parts of the country except some parts of northwest central, east and northeast India where below normal rainfall is likely," the bulletin further read.

The department has also flagged risks owing to extreme temperatures posing significant risks to health. This might be severe for "vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke."

To address these challenges, it is imperative for authorities to take proactive measures. This includes providing access to cooling centers, and issuing heat advisories, the bulletin further read.