Why is it in the news?
IMD released the summer (April–June 2026) forecast predicting rise in heatwave days and temperatures.
Category: Geography / Environment
Important Points:
● Above-normal heatwave days expected in east, central, northwest India & southeast peninsula
● Above-normal temperatures in east, northeast & central India
● North India likely to experience cooler-than-normal summer
● Heatwave-prone states: Odisha, WB, TN, AP, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka
● Around 12% above-normal rainfall expected in April due to western disturbances
● Possible El Niño development by July → may weaken monsoon
● Heatwaves occur mainly between March–June (peak May)
● Not classified as disaster under Disaster Management Act, 2005
● IMD criteria: ≥40°C plains / ≥45°C absolute / +4.5°C deviation
● Requires 2 stations for 2 consecutive days