The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in its April 2026 seasonal outlook has warned of above normal maximum temperatures, longer than usual heatwave spells and an unusual number of warm nights across many parts of the country during April to June 2026. The forecast flags above normal heatwave days over coastal Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh, and over isolated regions of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka. For the specific month of April 2026, the IMD said maximum temperatures are likely to be normal to below normal across large parts of north, northwest, central and southern India, but warm nights will be above normal, reducing the body's ability to recover from daytime heat stress. The agency defines a heatwave over plains as temperatures reaching 40 degree Celsius or above and at least 4.5 degree above normal, with a severe heatwave if the departure is 6.4 degree or more. Current conditions over Telangana and neighbouring regions are expected to remain uninterrupted till April 22. The forecast carries significant implications for public health, especially for the elderly, children, outdoor workers and people with pre-existing conditions, and for power demand, water resources and agriculture. Crops in reproductive stages including boro rice, maize, green gram, black gram, tomato, chilli and brinjal in eastern and northeastern India, northwest India and south peninsular India are particularly vulnerable to heat stress. The National Disaster Management Authority and state governments have been asked to activate heat action plans under the Cool Roofs and Heat Health Action Plan framework.