India is set to experience an exceptionally hot April, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting above-normal temperatures across most parts of the country. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the IMD’s Director General of Meteorology, made the announcement during an online news conference on March 31, 2025.

The IMD’s latest projections align with an ongoing trend of escalating temperatures in the region. In February 2025, the department had already warned that March would witness significantly higher temperatures, with both daytime and nighttime readings expected to stay above normal levels. Experts have raised concerns over the impact of extreme heat on agricultural production, particularly wheat crops, which could see a decline in yields due to prolonged high temperatures.

The forecasted heatwave has serious implications for multiple sectors, including labor-intensive industries. Workers in brick kilns, who are already exposed to extreme temperatures, face worsening conditions. A study published in December 2024 indicated that by 2050, these workers could endure more than 50 days of moderate heat stress during the brick-making season, with some kilns facing over 100 days of such extreme conditions.

The IMD’s warning highlights the urgent need for adaptive measures to mitigate the consequences of rising temperatures on agriculture, labor sectors, and public health. Authorities and industry stakeholders are being urged to implement heat action plans, improve access to cooling facilities, and promote climate-resilient farming practices to counter the adverse effects of the ongoing temperature surge.