May Was Cool, June Is Cruel. How Long Will This Heatwave Last?
Last Updated:
States like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Haryana are witnessing a steep spike in temperatures, hovering around 43-45 degrees Celsius
After an unexpectedly mild May that broke a 124-year rainfall record, the northern part of country is now reeling under a blistering heatwave, with temperatures surging past 45 degrees Celsius in several regions. The sudden shift from unseasonal cool winds to scorching sunshine has left people struggling to adjust, and wondering why the relief was so short-lived.
May 2025 turned out to be one of the most unusual months in recent weather history. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the country recorded an average of 126.7 mm rainfall, the highest since 1901. The reason? The southwest monsoon arrived earlier than usual, becoming active across Kerala, Odisha, West Bengal, and even parts of the Northeast by the third week of May.
Normally, the monsoon hits Kerala in the first week of June. But this year, it jumped the timeline, bringing widespread showers and cool gusts that suppressed temperatures across the north, central, and southern parts of the country. In many cities, temperatures dipped 2-7 degrees Celsius below normal. As a result, May passed without the usual scorching heat or widespread heatwaves. For many, it felt like an early onset of the monsoon.
Climate experts attribute this dramatic shift to larger atmospheric changes influenced by climate change. The early rains temporarily disrupted the usual pre-monsoon heat buildup; but not for long.
Why June Is Heating Up So Quickly
With the arrival of June, the monsoon's influence began fading from North and Western India. The cool winds that once brought relief have now vanished. In their place, dry and hot westerly winds have returned, pushing the mercury back up rapidly.
States like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Bihar, and Haryana are witnessing a steep spike in temperatures, hovering around 43-45 degrees Celsius. IMD has already issued heatwave alerts for several districts, especially from June 9 to June 11.
Meteorologists explain this as a post-rain rebound effect. After May's unexpected rainfall, clear skies returned in June. With no clouds to block solar radiation and no winds to moderate the temperature, direct sunlight and dry air began to scorch the region. The result is a sudden surge of intense summer heat.
How Long Will This Heatwave Last?
According to the IMD, the current spell of extreme heat will persist across North India for at least the next 4-5 days. A possible weather shift is expected around June 12-13, when partial cloud cover and light rain could begin in some areas, bringing some relief.
The full return of the monsoon, expected between June 12 and 18, could further cool things down. While Delhi and the surrounding NCR region typically see monsoon rains by June 27, this year the seasonal rains may arrive slightly earlier.
Until then, residents are advised to brace for the heat. The combination of high temperatures and humidity could make conditions especially dangerous.
While North India burns, the South is getting drenched. States like Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh are receiving consistent monsoon showers, keeping temperatures in the manageable range of 30-34 degrees Celsius.
The Northeast too is soaked. Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh are experiencing heavy rain with temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius, and in some areas, rising concerns of flooding. In contrast, Gujarat remains dry and hot, while Maharashtra is on high alert due to forecasted downpours, especially around Mumbai.
When Will Summer End?
Thanks to May's early monsoon activity and cooler conditions, the summer season is expected to end earlier than usual this year. If forecasts hold true, North India could start seeing significant rainfall by mid-June, signaling the beginning of the end for this year's summer.
What Are the Dangers of This Sudden Heat Spike?
The jump from a wet May to a dry and punishing June isn't just uncomfortable; it's dangerous.
With temperatures touching 45 degrees Celsius, the risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and cardiovascular issues is rising sharply, particularly among the elderly, children, and people with chronic illnesses. Hospitals are already advising residents to avoid peak afternoon hours and stay hydrated.
Urban centres are especially vulnerable due to the 'urban heat island" effect, where concrete and asphalt absorb and radiate heat, keeping nights warm and giving the body no time to recover. Mental health professionals are also warning that extended heatwaves can worsen anxiety, irritability, and fatigue.
On the agricultural front, every one-degree rise in temperature can cut wheat yields by about 5.2%, posing a potential threat to food security in the long run.
Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!
tags :
delhi heat heatwave Summer Season
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
June 10, 2025, 13:21 IST
News india May Was Cool, June Is Cruel. How Long Will This Heatwave Last?
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
At 16,249 MW, Punjab's power demand hits all-time high as sweltering heat continues
Punjab on Tuesday recorded its highest ever power demand at 16,249 MW as sweltering heat continued in the state, according to Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) data. The previous highest power demand was 16,089 MW, recorded on June 29 last year. Experts said Punjab's power demand is likely to breach 17,000 MW next week amid the ongoing paddy transplantation and heatwave conditions. 'This spike, driven by relentless heat and the paddy sowing season, has put immense pressure on the PSPCL. The load graph at the State Load Dispatch Centre website of Punjab State Transmission Corporation does not show data beyond 16,000 MW and needs to be updated' said VK Gupta, a retired PSPCL engineer. Punjab power minister Harbhajan Singh said PSPCL managed the demand without any power cuts.'This is a landmark moment. For the first time after independence, Punjab has managed its peak power demand without resorting to power cuts,' the minister said. The maximum temperature reached 47.6 degrees Celsius in Bathinda, data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) revealed. According to the data, the temperatures across Punjab were around five degrees Celsius above normal. 'A heatwave was observed in Amritsar, Patiala, Ludhiana and Bathinda reeled under severe heatwave,' said an IMD official. IMD's Chandigarh centre director Surinder Pal said, 'Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions will prevail in Punjab for the next three to four days. People should avoid venturing out during the afternoon. Maximum temperature is likely to drop slightly around June 15 or 16. We are expecting rainfall from June 18.' A PSPCL official said they are prepared to take additional measures, including importing more power and optimising local generation, to meet this anticipated demand. PSPCL officials said that the drawing limit from the northern grid is 10, 400 MW and its maximum power availability would be around 6,400 MW under ideal conditions. They added that all thermal units in the state were running. Among the state-run thermal plants, Ropar facility is generating 680 MW power, Lehra Mohabbat 830 MW and Goindwal 505 MW. Among those from the private sector, Rajpura thermal plant is generating 1,325 MW power and Talwandi Sabo 1,860 MW. 'All hydel units – including three units of Ranjit Sagar Dam – are operating in the afternoon as well. Usually, we operate these units in the morning as we use solar power during the day,' said a PSPCL official. Experts said if the power demand exceeds 16,800 MW, the consumers will start facing power cuts as it will surpass the transmission capacity infrastructure of PSPCL. The officials added that the PSPCL supplied 3,295 lakh units of power with a maximum demand of around 15,640 MW on Monday. With inputs from HTC Chandigarh
Mint
2 hours ago
- Mint
Mint Primer: The monsoon outlook and its impact on India
After advancing over Kerala and parts of south and west India in record time, the monsoon is now stalled. What has affected their progress, and how will this impact various parts of the country? Mint explains. Also read: Southwest Monsoon to advance over Central and adjoining East India around 14 June: IMD What happened to the monsoon this year? Monsoon rains reached Kerala and the southern parts of the Indian mainland in end-May. This was the earliest onset of the rains since 2009. Monsoon reached Mumbai around the same time, the earliest onset in 35 years. Heavy showers in May and early June have already caused flooding in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and northeastern states where rains triggered landslides. Pre-monsoon showers in Delhi led to the city's wettest May in over a hundred years, flooding the streets and bringing life to a standstill. The government's India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a normal monsoon this year for the country. So, why has its progress stalled? Weak weather conditions have stalled the monsoons in the western region at Mumbai and in eastern India near West Bengal, IMD officials told media outlets. Low pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea draw southwest monsoon winds towards the north, bringing rains all over the country. These systems were stronger than usual last month, prompting the early onset of the rains. Now, both have weakened, leaving north India and the interiors of the Deccan plateau dry. This has caused heat waves in north and northwestern India; Delhi recorded its hottest day of the year yet while the intensity of rains in Mumbai has reduced. Also read: Indian Market Outlook: HSBC MF stays bullish on India amid growth revival and fair valuations How will the rains behave, going ahead? The IMD says monsoon will likely continue their normal trajectory from this week onwards because western disturbances and low pressure systems are building up over Bay of Bengal and northwest UP. Despite the delay, the monsoon is not late yet; rains cover central and north India between 15 and 30 June. However, heatwaves are predicted, too. What's the general impact of early rains? Heavy pre-monsoon rains caused major cities to flood across west, south, and northeast India, where landslides occurred. They also brought relief from record high temperatures and heat waves in Odisha, Jharkhand, UP and Rajasthan in March, a month earlier. While early rains help reduce the burden of heat, they also disrupt the growing and harvesting of crops in peninsular India, such as mango, banana, and onions. Besides, early rain hurt peak summer sales of consumer goods including air conditioners. Also read: Delhi on IMD's orange alert for heatwave as Bengaluru, Mumbai brace for more rain; check weather forecast here How will consumer demand be impacted? India is struggling with a demand slowdown, especially in urban areas where prices are rising but incomes are not, forcing people to cut back on discretionary spending. Rural demand is doing better, giving hope to consumer and auto firms. But without normal rains farm incomes will suffer, denting the demand situation further. Already, firms like HUL, ITC, and Tata Consumer have reported tepid volume growth in FY25. These firms along with car-makers will need good rains to bring sales back on track.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Severe heat grips NW and east India
Extreme heat gripped most parts of Northwest India and East India this week. On Tuesday, New Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 43.8 degree C, Bhatinda 47.6 degree C, Ganganagar 47.4 degree C, Amritsar 44.8 degree C, Rohtak 46.1 degree C, and Lucknow 42.7 degree C. Over East India, Patna recorded 40.4 degree C while Kolkata recorded 36.3 with over 60% relative humidity (RH). On Monday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 43.4 degree C with a relative humidity of 31% recorded at 2.30 PM. During the morning hours, RH was higher around 48%. On Tuesday Delhi's RH ranged from 39 to 24%. Heat wave conditions are likely to continue over Northwest India with severe heat wave conditions at isolated pockets over West Rajasthan till June 12. Heat wave conditions are very likely at many/some places over West Rajasthan during 10th-16th with severe heat wave conditions at isolated/some parts during June 10 to 13, IMD warned. Heat wave to severe heat wave conditions are very likely at isolated/some parts are likely to prevail over East Rajasthan during June 10 to 13. Heat wave conditions are likely to prevail over East Uttar Pradesh on 10th and 11th, Punjab during 10th-13th, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, West Uttar Pradesh, and North Madhya Pradesh till June 12. Hot and humid weather is likely to prevail over sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha on June 11. Warm night conditions are very likely in isolated pockets over Punjab, Haryana on June 11, West Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan till June 12. 'We are expecting heatwave conditions over the entire Northwest India. The impact of western disturbances (WD) is reducing now so heat is increasing. There is moisture over the region, left from previous WDs. This is causing uncomfortable heat. Monsoon has not reached NW India yet and hence heat is expected to rise,' said M Mohapatra, director general, IMD. 'Extreme humid heat is impacting eastern parts of the country where humidity is very high, over 70% in many places. Over NW India, we can expect humidity to reduce gradually,' added Mohapatra. 'Monsoon has not advanced over northwest India yet so temperatures are high because of solar insolation. There may be moisture incursion from Arabian Sea also,' said M Rajeevan, former secretary, ministry of earth sciences. HT reported on June 8 that the monsoon has not progressed for over a week now — its progress had stalled around June 29 because of the intrusion of dry air. The northern limit of monsoon continues to pass through Mumbai, Ahilyanagar, Adilabad, Bhawanipatna, Puri, and Sandhead Island. Monsoon is likely to be active over south peninsular India with heavy to very heavy rainfall and isolated extremely heavy falls over Karnataka during June 12 to 15 and over Konkan and Goa during June 13 to 15. Conditions are likely to be favourable for further advancement of Monsoon over some more parts of central and adjoining east India around June 14.
