India is more likely to expertise a warmer-than-usual summer time throughout the upcoming March-Might 2026 season, with above-normal most temperatures forecast over most elements of the nation, based on the India Meteorological Division (IMD). Nevertheless, some elements of northwest and central India may even see regular to below-normal daytime temperatures throughout the season, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, IMD’s director normal, stated at a press briefing.
Above-normal heatwave days are additionally anticipated over most elements of the nation, together with West Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, south and east Maharashtra, east Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, north inside Karnataka and a few elements of north Tamil Nadu throughout March to Might.
Evening temperatures are additionally anticipated to stay above regular throughout most areas, besides elements of south peninsular India and areas of the remaining elements of the nation, the place regular to below-normal minimal temperatures are possible.
For March particularly, most temperatures are more likely to stay regular to beneath regular over many elements of India. In distinction, northeast India, adjoining japanese areas, elements of the western Himalayan area, and sections of central and peninsular India are anticipated to report above-normal daytime temperatures.
Minimal temperatures in March are projected to be above regular throughout a lot of the nation. Exceptions embody elements of northwest India, the south peninsula, and areas alongside the east coast, the place regular to below-normal evening temperatures are possible.
Scientists stated that there isn’t any adversarial affect anticipated for wheat crop, which instructions largest sowing space within the rabi season, beneath the prevailing climate situations and that climate predictions for March are additionally beneficial for the crop. “The typical imply temperature stays throughout the optimum vary required for wheat development. The present weather conditions are thought-about beneficial for guaranteeing secure yields and good grain high quality,” stated Ratan Tiwari, director, Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Analysis, Karnal.
Based on scientists, daytime heat combined with cool evening temperatures are serving to preserve an optimum development cycle. “If such situations persist, farmers can anticipate improved productiveness and higher grain high quality, elevating hopes for a powerful wheat harvest this season,” Tiwari added.
India’s rabi or winter crop sowing has elevated by greater than 1.58 million hectares to 67.68 million hectares in 2025-26 (as of 30 January), based on knowledge launched by the agriculture ministry. The sown space is 2.4% bigger than a yr earlier. The season’s common protection is 63.78 million hectares.
The enlargement in sown space was largely pushed by wheat, rice, pulses and oilseeds. Wheat protection rose by 613,000 hectares, whereas the realm beneath rice elevated by 27,000 hectares in comparison with the earlier yr. The entire space beneath wheat and rice touched 33.42 million hectares and 4.5 million hectares, respectively.
Pulses noticed an general enhance of 503,000 hectares, pushed primarily by a pointy rise of 498,000 hectares beneath gram. The entire space beneath the pulses touched 13.95 million hectares. The world beneath oilseeds, led by rapeseed and mustard, additionally expanded to 9.72 million hectares, up by 352,000 hectares from final yr.
Rain forecasts
March is more likely to deliver regular to above-normal rainfall throughout many elements of the nation. Nevertheless, northeast India and a few areas of northwest and east-central India are anticipated to obtain below-normal rainfall. The Lengthy Interval Common (LPA)) of rainfall over the nation as a complete throughout March primarily based on knowledge from 1971-2020 is 29.9 mm
Mohapatra additionally added that India is more likely to expertise an above-normal variety of heatwave days throughout March-Might, significantly throughout east and east-central India, giant elements of the southeast peninsula, and a few areas of northwest and west-central India.
The seasonal anomaly forecast signifies that whereas these areas could face elevated heatwave frequency, the remaining elements of the nation are more likely to report a traditional variety of heatwave days throughout the interval. For March particularly, remoted areas of Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh are anticipated to expertise above-normal heatwave days. The remainder of the nation is more likely to see heatwave exercise inside regular limits throughout the month.
Public well being dangers
IMD warned the elevated probability of heatwave situations could pose important dangers to public well being, water sources, energy demand, and important providers, significantly affecting weak populations such because the aged, youngsters, out of doors staff, and people with pre-existing medical situations.
Elevated temperatures can result in heat-related diseases and put further stress on infrastructure and useful resource administration techniques. “Accordingly, state authorities and district administrations are suggested to make sure well timed preparedness, together with operational readiness of cooling shelters, enough consuming water provide, and strengthened well being surveillance,” Mohapatra stated.
