IMD issues above-normal heatwave alert across India from March to May; Check affected states list that will witness high temperatures

An above-average number of heatwave days is likely across several regions of India between March and May, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather agency has cautioned that multiple states may experience extended periods of intense heat as the summer season progresses.

However, the beginning of March is expected to remain relatively mild in many parts of the country.

“In March, however, maximum temperatures are likely to be normal to below normal over many parts of India, except northeast, east, and some parts of Western Himalayan region, central and peninsular India. “This could be because rainfall averaged over India is most likely to be normal during March,” IMD said.

States likely to experience more heatwave days

The IMD has identified several states that may witness above-normal heatwave days during the three-month period from March to May. These include:

• West Rajasthan
• Gujarat
• Haryana
• Punjab
• South and East Maharashtra
• Eastern Uttar Pradesh
• Bihar
• Jharkhand
• Gangetic West Bengal
• Odisha
• Chhattisgarh
• Telangana
• Andhra Pradesh
• North Karnataka
• North Tamil Nadu

Chandigarh expected to see normal conditions in March

In Chandigarh, the IMD has predicted largely normal weather conditions for March 2026. Rainfall levels are expected to stay within the usual range, and temperatures are likely to remain close to seasonal averages. The monthly outlook suggests that the city is unlikely to witness any significant rise in heatwave activity during the month.

The IMD also noted that Chandigarh is not expected to experience heat spells in March, with maximum temperatures projected to stay broadly normal. Heatwave activity in the city is also likely to remain within normal limits, indicating no immediate threat of prolonged extreme heat this month.

Tamil Nadu likely to experience hotter conditions

Tamil Nadu is expected to face rising temperatures as the season advances. Coastal areas of the state, including Chennai, could experience between three and nine heatwave days.

In some adjoining northern districts, the number of heatwave days may increase further, ranging between nine and 15 days. Minimum temperatures across the region are likely to remain mostly near normal during the season.

According to the IMD, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40°C in plains or 30°C in hilly regions, and is 4.5°C to 6.4°C above the normal level.

A heatwave can also be declared when the actual maximum temperature touches 45°C or higher, regardless of how much it deviates from the normal temperature.

[With TOI inputs]