IMD forecasts above normal temperature, heatwave days
India is set for an unusually hot summer, with the IMD forecasting above-normal temperatures and heat waves across most regions. February 2025 was the hottest since 1901, with a mean temperature of 22.04°C. Rainfall was 59% below normal, raising concerns for wheat crops, which need cooler temperatures for optimal growth.
NEW DELHI: After a warmer winter, prepare for a round of hotter summer days. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts above-normal heat wave conditions and temperatures in most of the country this summer.
The IMD noted that February 2025 was the hottest month since 1901. The average mean temperature was recorded at 22.04°C, compared to the average of 20.7°C. It recorded the second-highest maximum temperature and the highest minimum temperature since 1901. Central and southern regions also experienced warmer temperatures in February.
Meanwhile, the country registered 59% deficient rainfall between January and February. Central India recorded 89% deficient rainfall, followed by Northwest India at 64%.
According to the long forecast, IMD indicates that above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures are most likely over most of India, except for southern parts of Peninsular India, and isolated pockets of Northeast India.
It forecasts a number of likely above-normal heat wave days from March to May 2025 over most of the country except Northeast India, extreme north India, and southwestern and southern parts of Peninsular India.
Meanwhile, projections of above-normal temperatures and heat wave days in March, April, and May raise concerns among agriculture policymakers. The harvesting of major rabi crops, such as wheat, will start in mid-March in Punjab and Haryana.
India has been witnessing a crisis in wheat production for the past three years, so wheat prices have been soaring.
In February, wheat grains were at the pod-filling stage, needing a minimum or low temperature to help the grains take robust shape. Such temperatures at this stage would increase production. Experts say the hot February would have shrivelled the grains.
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR), Karnal, point out that the March temperatures would be crucial.
“We need to be watchful for our wheat crop with timely irrigation during higher temperatures, and there is no sign of heat stress so far,” said Dr Ratan Kumar Singh, Director IIWBR. IMD also forecasts normal rainfall (83-117% of Long Period Average) during March 2025. The LPA of rainfall over the country during March, based on data from 1971 to 2020, is about 29.9 mm.
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Source : The New Indian Express
