IMD May heat forecast: Dr Jitendra Singh urges calm, no cause for panic
Synopsis
Despite IMD flagging heat wave conditions for parts of southern, northeastern, and coastal India in May 2025, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says most of the country will see normal temperatures — and that following daily IMD updates is all citizens need to stay safe. The government's message: preparedness, not panic.
Key Takeaways
Dr Jitendra Singh on 2 May said there is no cause for panic over May 2025 heat conditions.
IMD projects above-normal temperatures in southern peninsular India , parts of northeast and northwest India ; most of the country expected to see normal to below-normal temperatures.
Heat wave conditions likely over Himalayan foothills , Odisha , Coastal Andhra Pradesh , Tamil Nadu , Gujarat and Maharashtra , with 2–4 extra heat wave days above normal.
Higher temperatures expected in the second and fourth weeks of May , particularly across Northwest, Central and West India.
Localised heat stress may affect summer crops including rice (Boro) , maize and pulses in southern and northeastern India.
Government has directed coordinated state and district-level measures covering drinking water, cooling facilities and power supply for vulnerable groups.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Saturday, 2 May said there is no cause for panic over predicted heat conditions in May 2025, adding that following India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts and simple precautions can help citizens avoid unwarranted reactions. The minister's remarks came alongside IMD's latest monthly outlook projecting above-normal temperatures in select regions while most of the country is expected to see normal to below-normal temperatures.
What the IMD Forecast Says
Southern peninsular India, parts of northeast and northwest India may see above-normal temperatures and heat-wave conditions during May, according to the official statement. However, the forecast clarifies that the majority of the country is likely to remain within normal temperature ranges for the month.
Specifically, heat wave conditions are expected over the Himalayan foothills, parts of the east coast including Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining Tamil Nadu, as well as Gujarat and Maharashtra. These regions may see an increase of approximately 2–4 heat wave days above normal levels.
Relatively higher temperatures are anticipated during the second and fourth weeks of May, which may trigger heat wave conditions across parts of Northwest, Central and West India, along with the East Coast. Minimum temperatures in several regions are also likely to remain above normal, the minister noted.
Health and Citizen Advisory
Dr Singh urged citizens to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor exposure during peak heat hours, and remain attentive to the needs of vulnerable individuals in their surroundings. He emphasised that following IMD's daily updates and impact-based forecasts will help minimise potential health risks.
The minister highlighted that higher nighttime temperatures during certain periods may add to heat discomfort, particularly in urban and coastal areas. Hot and humid weather conditions are also likely along the East Coast, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Impact on Agriculture
The prevailing conditions remain generally favourable for harvesting of late Rabi crops in northern and northwestern regions, according to Dr Singh. However, localised heat stress in parts of southern and northeastern India may affect certain summer crops such as rice (Boro), maize and pulses.
Farmers have been advised to carry out field operations during morning and evening hours, ensure light and frequent irrigation, and take protective measures for livestock to mitigate heat-related agricultural losses.
Government Preparedness
Dr Singh said the government is fully prepared to deal with heat-related conditions this season. He emphasised coordinated efforts at the state and district levels to ensure availability of drinking water, functional cooling arrangements and uninterrupted power supply. Special attention is being directed toward vulnerable groups including infants, the elderly and outdoor workers.
Heat wave conditions can be effectively managed through timely preparedness and adherence to advisories issued by authorities, the minister added. With IMD's extended-range forecasts now publicly accessible, officials say citizens have more tools than ever to plan around high-heat periods.
Point of View
But the fine print of IMD's forecast deserves closer attention. An increase of 2–4 heat wave days above normal in already heat-stressed regions like Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat is not trivial — these are areas with high concentrations of outdoor agricultural and construction workers with limited access to cooling infrastructure. The government's emphasis on 'coordinated state and district-level efforts' is the right framing, but past heat seasons have exposed patchy implementation, particularly in power supply reliability and access to cool public spaces. Citizens in the flagged regions should treat the advisory as a call to act, not merely to stay calm.
NationPress
4 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did IMD forecast for May 2025 heat conditions in India?
IMD's monthly outlook projects above-normal temperatures and heat wave conditions in southern peninsular India, parts of northeast and northwest India, including Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Most of the country, however, is expected to experience normal to below-normal temperatures during May 2025.
Which weeks of May 2025 are expected to be the hottest?
According to IMD's extended-range forecast, the second and fourth weeks of May are expected to see relatively higher temperatures, potentially triggering heat wave conditions across parts of Northwest, Central and West India, along with the East Coast.
How many additional heat wave days are expected above normal?
IMD projects an increase of approximately 2–4 heat wave days above normal in the most affected regions, including the Himalayan foothills, Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
What precautions has the government advised for citizens during the May heat?
Dr Jitendra Singh has advised citizens to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor exposure during peak heat hours, follow IMD's daily updates and impact-based forecasts, and be attentive to the needs of vulnerable individuals such as infants, the elderly and outdoor workers.
How will the May 2025 heat wave affect farmers and agriculture?
While conditions remain generally favourable for harvesting late Rabi crops in northern and northwestern India, localised heat stress in southern and northeastern regions may affect summer crops including rice (Boro), maize and pulses. Farmers have been advised to conduct field operations during cooler morning and evening hours and ensure light, frequent irrigation.
