Why India is experiencing heatwaves sooner than expected this year
What's the story
India is experiencing an unusually early onset of heatwaves in 2025, especially along the west coast. The India Meteorological Department(IMD) had issued a heatwave warning for Mumbai on February 25 and 26, with the city recording a maximum temperature of 38.7°C on Wednesday. The number is way above the average, surpassing it by 5.9 degrees.
Rising mercury
Coastal regions report higher temperatures
Coastal Maharashtra and Goa also recorded temperatures above 37°C. Parts of Karnataka and Gujarat saw temperatures between 35°C and 37°C. The IMD defines a heatwave for coastal areas when the maximum temperature departure is 4.5°C or more. Heatwaves in India usually occur between March and June, occasionally extending to July, marking an unusual shift in weather patterns this year.
Weather shift
Lack of winter rainfall, warm winds trigger early heatwave
Meteorologists attribute the early heatwave to an extremely rain-deficient winter season. Mahesh Palawat from Skymet Weather noted that an anti-cyclone over Madhya Pradesh has been pushing warm easterly winds across the west coast. The lack of winter rainfall has delayed sea breezes and prolonged land breezes, causing temperatures to rise. High humidity levels near the coast have increased discomfort, leading to heatwave-like conditions.
Climate impact
Human-caused climate change intensifies heatwaves
The Climate Shift Index (CSI) by Climate Central shows that recent temperatures in Panaji, Goa were made at least five times more likely due to human-caused climate change. Mumbai's temperatures were at least three times more likely due to global warming. Dr. Akshay Deoras from the University of Reading stressed that "anthropogenic climate change is escalating both meteorological and hydrological extremes worldwide." He warned that without reducing greenhouse gas emissions, weather records will continue to break frequently.
Record heat
India's heatwave days hit record high in 2024
In 2024, India recorded its hottest year on record with 536 heatwave days during summer, the highest since 2010. The data highlights the worsening impact of climate change on the country's weather patterns. Experts emphasize the immediate need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avoid further extremes in weather patterns across the globe.