IMD forecasts above-normal heatwave days in several states: What you need to know

NEW DELHI: An above-normal number of heatwave days is expected across large parts of India between March and May, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said, warning that several states could see prolonged spells of high temperatures as summer sets in, news agency PTI reported.

However, March is expected to begin on a relatively moderate note for much of the country.


“In March, however, maximum temperatures are likely to be normal to below normal over many parts of India, except northeast, east, and some parts of Western Himalayan region, central and peninsular India. “This could be because rainfall averaged over India is most likely to be normal during March,” IMD said.

The IMD defines “normal” rainfall as 83% to 117% of the long period average (LPA). For March, the LPA — based on data from 1971 to 2020 — stands at 29.9mm. While below-normal rainfall is forecast over parts of northeast India and some areas of northwest India, most regions are expected to see near-normal precipitation.

List of states to face more heatwave days than usual during the three-month period

• West Rajasthan
• Gujarat
• Haryana
• Punjab
• South and East Maharashtra
• Eastern Uttar Pradesh,
• Bihar
• Jharkhand
• Gangetic West Bengal
• Odisha
• Chhattisgarh
• Telangana
• Andhra Pradesh
• North Karnataka
• North Tamil Nadu

Chandigarh: No significant heat risk in March

In Chandigarh, the IMD has forecast largely normal weather conditions for March 2026, with rainfall expected to remain within the normal range and temperatures likely to stay near average levels.

The monthly outlook indicates no significant increase in heatwave activity for the city.

The IMD has indicated that Chandigarh is unlikely to face heat spells this March, with maximum temperatures expected to remain broadly normal. While parts of central and peninsular India and the western Himalayan region may see above-normal daytime temperatures, northwest India — including the UT— is likely to experience normal to slightly below-normal trends.

Minimum temperatures across most regions are also expected to stay normal, with some pockets of northwest India likely to record normal to slightly belownormal night temperatures.

IMD also stated that heatwave activity in the city is likely to remain normal, indicating no immediate risk of prolonged heat conditions this month.

Meteorologists said weak La Niña conditions persist over the equatorial Pacific and are expected to weaken further, while neutral conditions continue over the Indian Ocean.

These broader oceanic patterns are not expected to significantly influence Chandigarh’s weather in March.

Tamil Nadu: Hotter summer ahead

In contrast, Tamil Nadu is likely to see hotter conditions as the season progresses.

The city of Chennai and the rest of the state may have to brace for hotter days this summer, as the IMD has forecast heatwave spells between March and May. The seasonal outlook suggests above-normal maximum temperatures over most parts of the state.

Heatwave days are likely to range from three to nine days along much of coastal Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, and could extend to nine to 15 days in some adjoining northern districts. Minimum temperatures during the season are expected to remain largely near normal.

According to the IMD, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40°C in plains (30°C in hilly regions) and is 4.5°C to 6.4°C above normal, or when the actual maximum temperature is 45°C or higher irrespective of departure from normal.

May is typically the peak summer month in Chennai, with average maximum temperatures touching 37.3°C. For March, however, the outlook is relatively moderate.

Maximum temperatures across Chennai and districts up to the delta region are likely to remain near normal, while some interior districts may record below-normal daytime temperatures.

Night temperatures are expected to stay near normal over most parts of the state, except some central districts.