Sri Vijaya Puram, April 15: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued its latest weather forecast, predicting a hotter-than-usual summer across the country, followed by an above-average monsoon season. While much of India is expected to face intense heatwaves in April, May, and June, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are likely to see an early arrival of the southwest monsoon.
Andaman & Nicobar: Relief on the horizon
According to the IMD, the southwest monsoon is likely to reach the Nicobar Islands and the south Andaman Sea around May 19, marking the beginning of seasonal rains in the region. This aligns with the usual timeline and brings hope of relief from the ongoing dry spell.
So far this year, South Andaman has received only 58.4 mm of rainfall—well below the average of 129.8 mm for this period. The water shortfall has raised concerns over the availability of drinking water, with reservoirs across the islands running low. Authorities and residents are closely monitoring the situation while awaiting the monsoon to help replenish water levels.
Scorching summer ahead
Mainland India is bracing for a particularly harsh summer. The IMD has forecast that several regions—especially in central, eastern, and northwestern India—will face frequent heatwaves. Temperatures in these areas are expected to rise 2–5°C above the seasonal average.
States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and parts of Chhattisgarh are likely to experience the most intense heat. A heatwave, according to the IMD, is declared when the maximum temperature exceeds 40°C in the plains and is at least 4.5°C above normal.
In a positive development, the IMD has projected that India will receive 105% of its long-period average rainfall during the 2025 southwest monsoon season. This exceeds the normal range of 96% to 104% and is expected to benefit agriculture, particularly in rain-fed regions.
The monsoon, which typically begins in Kerala by June 1 and withdraws by mid-September, plays a critical role in India’s farm output and overall economic health. An above-average season could ease concerns over crop yield, water shortages, and rural incomes.
The IMD has urged citizens to take precautions during the summer months, especially in regions at risk of heatwaves. These include staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activity during peak hours, and following local weather advisories. With the monsoon nearing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, authorities are also preparing for the possibility of heavy rains and related challenges such as waterlogging and transport disruptions.
