Significantly higher number of heatwaves likely in Central, North India from April to June: IMD

Most parts of India, barring the South peninsular region and some parts of Northwest, are likely to witness above-normal maximum temperatures between the months of April and June, the India Meteorological Department said on Saturday.

Most parts of Central India, East India and Northwest India are likely to witness significantly higher number of heatwave days during the three months, according to the IMD. Bihar, Jharkhand, East Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, north Chhattisgarh, western part of Maharashtra, Gujarat and some parts of West Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana have been predicted to experience above-normal heatwave days in the month of April, according to the seasonal outlook issued by the IMD.

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The minimum temperatures in most parts of the country, except for some areas in Northwest, Central and East India, are likely to remain normal to below normal in the month of April, IMD added.

Moreover, the month of April (on an average) will also most likely witness normal rainfall (at the range of 88-112 per cent of LPA). Most parts of the Northwest, Central and Peninsular India will witness normal to above normal rainfall, and East, Northeast, and some areas over the west coast of India will likely witness below normal rainfall.