New Delhi, May 1 -- In May 2024, Churu in India's Rajasthan state scorched at 50.5 C, as large parts of India were gripped by an intense heatwave.

At least 37 cities across the country endured temperatures above 45 C, affecting life, livelihoods, and water resources across the country. Parts of Maharashtra were compelled to ban public gatherings due to the extreme heat. In 2025, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has once again forecast above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures over April to June, with longer heatwaves across the country.

Parts of western India are projected to experience seven-eight additional days under heatwave conditions this summer.

Yet, in what may appear paradoxical at first glance, the IMD's Long Ra...