India is expected to face higher-than-usual temperatures from April to June, with an increase in heatwave days in central and eastern regions and the northwestern plains. Most areas will experience elevated maximum and minimum temperatures, prompting concerns over peak electricity demand growth this summer.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that India will experience unseasonably high temperatures between April and June. This period is likely to see increased occurrences of heatwave days, particularly in central and eastern India, as well as the northwestern plains. Most regions of the country will encounter higher-than-average maximum temperatures, with the exception of select areas in western and eastern India that are expected to have normal temperatures.
Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, IMD chief, indicated during an online press conference that the upcoming months could see two to four additional heatwave days in most parts of north and east India, central India, and the northwest plains, compared to the norm. Typically, the country registers four to seven heatwave days in this timeframe.
Predictions suggest that northwest India may experience double the usual number of heatwave days. The standard heatwave occurrence in this region is five to six days each season. Areas that are likely to be significantly affected include states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and several other states in southern and eastern India.
In April, the majority of India is anticipated to witness maximum temperatures that are higher than usual, while some regions in the extreme south and northwest may maintain seasonal norms. Minimum temperatures across most areas are also projected to be elevated, except in certain northwestern and northeastern localities where they may be normal or slightly below normal, as noted by Mohapatra.
Experts caution that this summer season could see peak electricity demand growth of approximately 9 to 10 percent due to rising temperatures. The previous year recorded a peak electricity demand that surpassed 250 gigawatts on May 30, exceeding forecasts by 6.3 percent. A significant contributor to this demand is the heat stress exacerbated by climate change.
In summary, the IMD has warned that India is likely to face above-normal temperatures and increased heatwave occurrences from April to June. Several states, particularly in the north and west, are expected to see a notable rise in heatwave days. This climatic condition is likely to impact electricity demand significantly, highlighting the urgent need for preparedness against the heat stress driven by climate change.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
