Chandigarh: Residents should brace for a hotter March as both maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to remain above normal.
According to the monthly weather forecast released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), monthly maximum temperatures for March 2025 are expected to be above normal. Also, above-normal monthly minimum temperatures are likely.
As per the forecast, even during the March to May season of 2025, an above-normal number of heatwave days are likely. During March 2025, above-normal heatwave days are expected.
"Heatwaves pose significant risks to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, leading to heatstroke, dehydration, and strain on infrastructure. Authorities are crucial in providing cooling centres and issuing timely heat advisories. Citizens are strongly encouraged to utilise the IMD information resources to proactively take personal precautions, such as staying hydrated, avoiding peak sun hours, and seeking cool environments, thereby minimising the adverse health impacts of heatwaves," said the IMD in its report.

As far as rain is concerned, it is expected to be normal. "The rainfall during March 2025, averaged over the country as a whole, is most likely to be normal."
The IMD shared, "Currently, weak La Niña conditions are prevailing over the equatorial Pacific, and the sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are cooler than normal over most of the equatorial Pacific Ocean. The latest MMCFS forecast indicates that La Niña conditions are likely to weaken during the upcoming season and turn to neutral ENSO conditions thereafter. At present, neutral Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions persist over the Indian Ocean, and the latest MMCFS forecast indicates a continuation of these neutral IOD conditions during the upcoming season."
February month has also been relatively hotter. Maximum and minimum remained above normal.