IMD Warns of Extreme Heatwave from April to June, Power Demand Set to Rise
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast hotter-than-normal temperatures across India from April to June, predicting an increase in heatwave days that could strain power grids and threaten water supplies. With rising air conditioner use and a projected 9-10% surge in peak electricity demand, the country braces for a challenging summer ahead.
The IMD’s latest seasonal outlook, released on Monday, indicates that central, eastern, and northwestern plains will experience more heatwave days than usual. Typically, India sees four to seven heatwave days during this period, but this year, the number could rise significantly.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated, “From April to June, most parts of north and east India, central India, and the plains of northwest India are expected to experience two to four more heatwave days than normal.”
States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and northern Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are likely to face above-normal heatwave conditions. An IMD official earlier warned that northwest India could see twice the usual five to six heatwave days this summer.
In April, most of India will witness higher-than-normal maximum temperatures, except for some western and eastern regions where conditions may remain typical.
Mohapatra noted that minimum temperatures will also trend above normal across most areas, though parts of the northwest and northeast might experience normal or slightly cooler nights. “Maximum temperatures in April are likely to be higher than usual across most of India, barring some extreme southern and northwestern zones,” he added.
The forecast follows an unusually warm March, raising concerns about wheat crop yields currently under harvest.
Experts, as cited by PTI, have cautioned that peak electricity demand could rise by 9-10% this summer due to increased heatwave days. Last year, India’s peak power demand hit 250 gigawatts (GW) on May 30, 2023, surpassing projections by 6.3%. Government estimates now suggest it could climb to 270 GW this year, per Bloomberg.
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Higher coal consumption is expected to prevent blackouts, with power plants instructed to avoid maintenance shutdowns during this period.
Coal stockpiles at power stations have increased by 16% compared to last year, ensuring a buffer against outages. However, demand for diesel may also rise as people flock to cooler hill regions and rely on diesel-powered generators in blackout-prone areas.
The surge in power usage is driven by climate change-induced heat stress, a key factor straining India’s energy infrastructure.
The IMD’s warning comes amid concerns over potential wheat crop damage following a warm March. India, which restricted wheat exports in 2022 after a scorching March impacted output, may reconsider its 40% import duty if production dips, Bloomberg reported. Such a move could help stabilize food prices in the world’s most populous nation.
Ensuring uninterrupted power is vital for relief from heat and supporting hospitals handling heat-related illnesses.
As India prepares for a blistering summer, policymakers and power operators are on high alert to manage the anticipated demand spike. The IMD’s forecast underscores the need for proactive measures to mitigate water shortages and power grid stress.
