India Forecasts Heat Waves After Hottest February Since 1901
NDTV
The weather office expects an enhanced probability of heat waves in most parts of the country during the three months ending May 31, according to S.C. Bhan, a senior scientist at India's meteorological department.
India will face hotter weather over the coming months, stoking concern about a repeat of the intense heat wave last year that risks damaging crops and further straining the country's power network.
The weather office expects an enhanced probability of heat waves in most parts of the country during the three months ending May 31, according to S.C. Bhan, a senior scientist at India's meteorological department.
An early onset of hot weather has already pushed electricity demand to near-record levels and led to the farm ministry setting up a panel to monitor the impact on the wheat crop, which is expected to reach a record this year. Last year, India suffered its hottest March in more than a century, scorching the grain harvest and forcing the government to curb exports.
Monthly average maximum temperatures across the country were the highest for February since 1901, according to the weather office. Temperatures in March - crucial for the wheat crop which is at a vulnerable stage - are likely to be above normal in most parts except in the peninsular region.
