Stifling Heat and Rising Temperatures in May Can Impact Indian Economy

India to experience extreme heat and hotter temperatures in the month of May, which can negatively affect its economy, food supply, and the health of people.

Written by: Arjita Gupta

Edited by: Krutarth Ghosalkar

Last Updated: April 29, 2023

In May, India expects several regions of the country to experience scorching heat, which could tax the electricity grid, harm the economy, and endanger people's lives. According to the India Meteorological Department, monthly maximum temperatures are anticipated to be above average for easter and east-central regions. Several parts of Northeast India will also experience hotter temperatures.

As people turn on their fans and air conditioners during heat waves, the demand for electricity rises, placing more strain on the power grid and raising the possibility of blackouts. The heat causes productivity losses and may even be fatal for the millions of people who work outside the nation with the most people in the world, many of whom lack sufficient protection.

The country of South Asia has been preparing for a scorching summer after the world's wheat supply was impacted by the record-breaking heat in 2022 and widespread misery. Due to the increase in the frequency of such incidents, traders and businesses are now taking extreme weather into account when making investment decisions.

Heat waves can be dangerous for a variety of reasons, not only the temperature. Death is also possible if the human body is unable to cool itself with humidity and sweating. This year, India is not the only nation dealing with extreme heat. High temperatures have been recorded in Bangladesh and Thailand, and the Chinese province of Yunnan is experiencing a drought.

According to the weather service, temperatures in several areas of west-central and northwest India are anticipated to go below normal or average in May. El Nino, a climatic pattern linked to less rainfall and dried conditions in India was projected to emerge during the upcoming monsoon season. As per predictions, Positive Indian Ocean Dipole conditions can form an increase in the monsoon rainfall, and counteract that.