India is experiencing intense temperatures with heatwave alerts issued for several states early in the summer. On Sunday, Odisha's Bolt recorded 43.6°C, the hottest in the country. Experts attribute this early heat surge to climate change, shifting weather patterns, and urbanisation. February was the hottest in 124 years, with March shaping up to be even hotter. The unusually high temperatures have raised concerns among experts and could affect winter-sown crops.
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00:00Feeling the summer heat already? You're not alone. Many parts of India are experiencing
00:12intense temperatures, with the IMD issuing heatwave alerts for Delhi, Karnataka, Goa
00:17and Jharkhand. On March 15, Odisha's Borth recorded a scorching 43.6 degrees Celsius,
00:25making it the hottest place in the country, followed by Jharsuguda and Bolangere. Experts
00:31attribute this early heat surge to climate change, shifting weather patterns, terrestrial
00:36warming and urbanization. With February marking the hottest in 124 years, March is already
00:44shaping up to be even hotter, weeks before peak summer begins.
01:14India is experiencing heatwaves in March due to a combination of meteorological and
01:26climatic factors. An exceptionally dry winter, with rainfall levels 93% below normal in February,
01:34has contributed to clear skies and rapid temperature increases. A weakening La Niña and neutral
01:41Indian Ocean Dipole have further disrupted weather patterns, causing above-normal heat
01:47nationwide. In coastal areas, high humidity is intensifying the impact by hindering the
01:54body's cooling process, raising health risks and mortality rates.
02:24A
02:43study on heatwave preparedness in nine Indian cities, including Delhi, found long-term measures
02:49lacking and poorly targeted. It recommends stronger heat action plans, funded specialist
02:55roles in climate-vulnerable districts and capacity-building for local officials to enhance
03:01India's heat resilience. With heatwaves posing serious health risks, experts stress the need
03:07for urgent, sustained action at the city and district levels.
03:37Heatwaves in India typically occur between March and June, with May being the
04:07peak month. However, the unusually high temperatures experienced in early March 2025 have raised
04:14concerns among experts. The India Meteorological Department has forecasted above-average temperatures
04:21throughout March, which could adversely affect winter-sown crops like wheat, chickpeas and
04:27rapeseed.