India Warns of Hotter-Than-Usual Months, Raising Health Risks

Article content(Bloomberg) — India is forecast to see above-normal temperatures in the coming months, potentially boosting power demand and posing a severe health risk to residents. Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentThere is an increased likelihood of more heat wave days across many parts of the country in the three months through May 31, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general of the India Meteorological Department, said in an online briefing on Saturday. Above-normal maximum temperatures are very likely over most areas in the three-month period, he said.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentArticle contentSuch conditions could lift electricity demand in the country, prompting greater reliance on coal-fired generation to meet peak loads. A sustained rise in temperatures would also threaten rural incomes and add food-price pressures, complicating policymakers’ efforts to contain inflation.Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentStill, maximum temperatures in March will likely be normal to below-normal in many parts of the country, while above-average minimum temperatures are expected over most parts except some areas of northwest region, the weather office said.Article contentAny abnormal increase in temperatures in March may pose a risk to winter-sown crops, which are at a developmental stage when excessive heat can curb yields and diminish quality. Article contentAny prolonged hot weather next month may pull down India’s wheat output below last season’s record, undermining government efforts to secure adequate supplies, especially for its various welfare programs, including a fixed quantity of free distribution of grains to about 800 million people every month.Article contentThe world’s second-largest wheat producer permitted limited overseas shipments under a quota system earlier this month, partially easing restrictions that had been in place for more than three years. However, a smaller harvest could prompt authorities to reconsider that move, potentially tightening supplies again in a market already sensitive to weather-driven disruptions.Article contentArticle contentRainfall in March is likely to be normal across most parts, the weather office said. Any decrease in precipitation during a critical growing period may force farmers to rely more heavily on irrigation, potentially lifting input costs at a time when margins are already under strain from volatile weather conditions.Article contentIndia ranks among the countries most exposed to climate change, with increasingly frequent bouts of extreme weather — from heat waves and floods to severe droughts — claiming hundreds of lives each year and undermining farm productivity.Article contentBeyond agriculture, the volatility also strains the energy system, driving up demand for fossil fuels during temperature spikes while depleting hydropower output when reservoirs run low.Article contentTrending Explosions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi jolt Mideast financial hubs PMN Business Canada's housing market suffers largest price decline among major economies, says BIS Real Estate Canada's economy shrinks, dragging 2025 growth to slowest pace since height of pandemic Economy The (high) opportunity cost of paying off your mortgage early Mortgages This TSX top performer surged 18% this week with a potentially powerful 'catalyst' waiting in the wings, says TD analyst Investor Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Explosions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi jolt Mideast financial hubs PMN Business Canada's housing market suffers largest price decline among major economies, says BIS Real Estate Canada's economy shrinks, dragging 2025 growth to slowest pace since height of pandemic Economy The (high) opportunity cost of paying off your mortgage early Mortgages This TSX top performer surged 18% this week with a potentially powerful 'catalyst' waiting in the wings, says TD analyst Investor