India gears up for heatwave days: How do they occur?

Heatwaves are a result of the interplay of global warming and local factors.

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Urbanisation and deforestation have led to changed weather patterns, driving the area away from cooling. This can lead to an 'urban heat island', causing extreme heat in metropolitan cities.

India has experienced warmer-than-usual January, February and March as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) projects hotter-than-usual temperatures from April to June.

Most parts of the country will see higher-than-normal maximum temperatures, except for some areas in western and Eastern India where the temperatures are expected to be normal. Minimum temperatures will also be above normal in most regions.

“We are not expecting El Nio conditions in the monsoon season. April-June will be hotter than usual, with more heatwaves likely in many states,” said the Director-General of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).