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.
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