Hot days ahead

As India moves into the peak summer months of April to June 2025, a grim forecast looms. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has projected significantly higher-than-normal temperatures across vast regions, with central and western peninsular states expected to bear the brunt of extreme heat. The anticipated number of heatwave days is set to rise dramatically, ranging from 10 to 20 days-well above the usual 4 to 8 days experienced in previous years. The most vulnerable areas include Gujarat, Maharashtra, northern Karnataka, Odisha, western Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. This surge in extreme heat is largely attributed to the re-emergence of El Niño, a climate phenomenon known for disrupting global weather patterns. El Niño alters atmospheric circulation, causing subsidence and reduced cloud cover over India. This results in heightened solar radiation reaching the surface, leading to increased land temperatures and exacerbating heatwave conditions. Additionally, changing wind patterns and reduced moisture levels are expected to modify India’s rainfall distribution, making dry spells longer while intensifying short bursts of precipitation. The larger context of this crisis cannot be ignored-global warming, driven by human-induced climate change, is accelerating the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events. The world’s hottest year on record remains 2016, when global temperatures rose by 1.3°C above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900). With the continued accumulation of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane in the atmosphere, Earth’s ability to trap heat has intensified, making extreme summers a recurring reality. It is important to distinguish between “weather” and “climate.” Weather refers to atmospheric conditions over short periods, while climate represents long-term trends in temperature, rainfall, and other meteorological factors. In a warming world, climate change alters these long-term averages, leading to significant shifts in rainfall patterns. While overall precipitation levels may rise, its distribution is becoming more erratic-marked by prolonged dry spells interspersed with intense, short-lived downpours. India’s growing vulnerability to climate extremes underscores the urgent need for robust mitigation and adaptation strategies. The persistent rise in heatwave days is not just an inconvenience-it has severe implications for water availability, agriculture, public health, and energy consumption. With April to June 2025 expected to be one of the hottest periods ever recorded, the focus must now shift from forecasting these climate shifts to actively preparing for them. Strengthening early warning systems, expanding green cover, and reducing fossil fuel dependence are crucial steps toward mitigating the long-term impact of rising temperatures. The warning signs are clear: India’s climate is changing, and the effects are becoming more severe with each passing year. The upcoming summer will serve as yet another reminder that climate action can no longer be delayed. As temperatures continue to rise, it is imperative that both policymakers and citizens take decisive action to curb greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience against extreme weather events. The heat is on-not just in the atmosphere, but in the urgency with which governments must respond.One of which is to ensure adequate power especially in places like Dimapur where electric fans, coolers or air conditioners are considered a necessity.