Back-To-Back Rain May Ease Scorching Heatwaves, But Nights Could Still Stay Warmer In April

Last Updated:April 01, 2026, 15:04 IST

After 8 Western Disturbances hit this March, IMD forecast shows above-normal rains in April too, but this persistent cloudiness is likely to cause spike in night-time temperatures

After receiving more than usual rain in March, most parts of India may escape the wrath of severe heatwaves in April too, thanks to successive western disturbances (WDs) which are likely to hit the western Himalayan region this month.

Nearly eight WDs impacted India in March against the normal of five to six, bringing frequent thundershowers and gusty winds in the plains. So, while the first 15 days of March saw temperatures soaring to over 39℃ in parts of Gujarat, Vidarbha, and even heatwaves in Himachal Pradesh, the frequent rains brought relief during the second half. No heatwave was recorded after April 15 in any state.

The India Meteorological Department has now forecast the rainfall in April to be above-normal too—at least 112 per cent above the long-period average (LPA) which is 39.2 mm for the period 1971-2020. Except for northeast India, and adjoining areas of the eastern states, and peninsular India, most parts of the country are expected to get plenty of rain, forecasters said. At least three successive western disturbances are predicted to hit in the coming week, with the first around April 3-6, so no heatwaves during the first half of April.

WHY ARE NIGHTS BECOMING WARMER?

So, while the daytime temperatures are predicted to be normal to below-normal over many parts of India, the nights are expected to be warmer. Similar conditions are expected to continue during the remaining part of the summer season in May and June as well with above-normal minimum temperatures. “This is because we are expecting above-normal rainfall in April. So, there will be frequent thunderstorm activity, and cloudiness, which tends to increase night-time temperatures," said IMD chief Dr Mrityunjay Mohapatra. This occurs because the Sun heats the ground during the day, and this heat normally escapes into space during the night. But when there are clouds, they tend to trap it into the atmosphere causing the mercury to rise in the night.

In fact, the weather department has previously highlighted the trend of warmer nights that India has experienced in recent years. The monthly average night-time temperatures in March were second-highest since 1901, rising to 1.23℃ above the long-period average.

COASTAL STATES TO BEAR BRUNT OF HEATWAVES

So, while April may bring some relief, the IMD chief highlighted that the temperatures will certainly soar in May and June when the number of heatwave days are likely to be higher, the IMD chief warned. Meteorologists say that eastern India, especially coastal areas of West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, as well as Gujarat, Maharashtra are generally more prone to heatwaves, which last longer and are far more intense.

This summer, the probability of heatwaves will again be higher in the region, including Western Rajasthan and Karnataka. Parts of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Ladakh region may also see above-normal day-time temperatures this summer. “Therefore, the probability of heatwaves in most parts of India will be lesser, except for states along the east and western coast where can expect higher number of heatwaves," added the IMD chief.

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