India is likely to experience a hotter-than-usual summer this year, with the number of heatwave days between March and May expected to exceed the seasonal average, according to the weather office.
The first month of summer in March is expected to bring above-average minimum temperatures across most regions, said Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director-general of the India Meteorological Department.
February already recorded higher-than-normal temperatures for both day and night, making it the fifth-warmest February since records began in 1901, data from the meteorological department showed.
The rising temperatures could impact agriculture, particularly winter-sown crops such as wheat, rapeseed, and chickpeas, which rely on cold conditions during their growth cycle for optimal yields. Agricultural dealers warned that warmer conditions in March might reduce grain size in maturing crops, potentially lowering productivity.
India, the world’s second-largest wheat producer and largest importer of edible oils, is counting on strong harvests in 2026 to boost exports of surplus wheat and reduce dependence on imported oils such as palm, soy, and sunflower.
“Above-normal heatwave days are expected over most parts of the country during March to May 2026,” Mohapatra stated.
A dealer based in Mumbai noted that persistent heat could affect crop quality and yields, adding to concerns over food security and agricultural output.
Meteorologists and agricultural experts will closely monitor conditions in the coming months as India prepares for what could be a challenging summer season.