Historic heatwave: Hottest June in 123 years, July to bring new weather concerns

As the monsoon season begins across India, many regions are experiencing relief from the intense heat. However, Delhi continues to battle humid and oppressive weather. The severe heat in June has resulted in numerous fatalities, highlighting the extreme conditions faced by the country this summer.

On Monday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that India endured 536 heatwave days this summer, the highest number recorded in 14 years. The northwestern region, in particular, experienced its hottest June since 1901. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, in a virtual press conference, revealed that June 2010 previously held the record for the most heatwave days.

Unprecedented Heat in 123 Years

"In the summer of 2024, India experienced a total of 536 heatwave days, the highest since 2010 (578 days). In June, there were 181 heatwave days, surpassing the 177 days recorded in June 2010," noted Mrutyunjay Mohapatra. He added that the monthly average maximum temperature in northwest India was 38.02°C, which is 1.96°C above normal. The average minimum temperature stood at 25.44°C. The average temperature in northwest India for June was 31.73°C, 1.65°C above normal and the highest since 1901. Northeast India recorded a 33% rainfall deficit in June, attributed to the slow monsoon progress due to a lack of weather systems in the northern and eastern parts of the country.

Extreme Heat Strains Resources

Mohapatra highlighted that only three western disturbances were observed in northern India, compared to the usual four to five. One of India's longest and hottest heatwaves led to over 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases and more than 100 heat-related deaths. The extreme heat impacted water supply systems and power grids, causing severe water shortages in Delhi. The IMD reported that approximately 40% of the country experienced double the usual number of heatwave days during the April-June period.

Heatwave Impact Across States

In some parts of Rajasthan, temperatures exceeded 50°C, with nighttime temperatures hovering around 35°C in many areas. Media reports indicate that in Delhi, where temperatures stayed above 40°C for 40 consecutive days since May 13, around 60 heat-related deaths occurred this year. The IMD had initially predicted 10 to 20 heatwave days this summer, compared to the usual four to eight days. Conversely, various parts of east, north, and central India, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar, recorded 20 to 38 heatwave days.