New Delhi: India is set to experience a hotter-than-usual summer this year, with an increased number of heatwave days posing risks to lives and livelihoods, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

India’s summer season, which lasts from April to June, often sees temperatures soar past 45°C (113°F) at its peak. However, climate change is making heatwaves more frequent, longer, and more intense, according to years of scientific research.

In its latest forecast issued on Monday, the IMD warned that maximum temperatures across most parts of the country will be “above normal”. Additionally, the number of heatwave days—periods when temperatures are abnormally high compared to historical averages—will increase significantly.

“Up to 10 heatwave days or even more can be expected, especially over east India,” said IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, highlighting the dangers of heat stress. Normally, India experiences between four to seven heatwave days from April to June.

Those at highest risk include infants, the elderly, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, and outdoor workers. Heat stress can cause dizziness, headaches, organ failure, and even death. City dwellers, surrounded by heat-absorbing surfaces like concrete and brick, face an elevated risk due to the urban heat island effect.

Extreme heat also strains infrastructure, including power grids and transportation systems, as demand for electricity and cooling rises.

The IMD has urged authorities to develop heat action plans to mitigate the impact. “This includes providing access to cooling centers, issuing heat advisories, and implementing strategies to reduce urban heat island effects,” the weather office stated.

India recorded its longest-ever heatwave last year, with temperatures consistently exceeding 45°C.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heatwaves kill at least 500,000 people annually, but the actual toll could be up to 30 times higher due to unrecorded heat-related deaths.