New Delhi, March 1 -- A brief reprieve from the heat is expected in March before above-normal temperatures grip most of the country till May, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced in its monthly forecast on Saturday. "During the March to May season 2026, above-normal number of heatwave days are likely over most parts of east and east central India, many parts of southeast Peninsula and some parts of the northwest and west central India during March to May 2026. The normal number of heatwave days is likely over the remaining parts of the country. During March 2026, above-normal heatwave days are likely over isolated regions of Gujarat & Andhra Pradesh. The remaining parts of the country are likely to experience normal heatwave days," the IMD said in a statement.For example, IMD's spatial forecast shows above normal heat wave days this summer over parts of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, parts of Uttar Pradesh among others. In these states heat wave days may be 3 to 15 days above normal. "During the March-April-May (MAM) season, the increased likelihood of heatwave conditions may pose significant risks to public health, water resources, power demand, and essential services, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Elevated temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses and additional stress on infrastructure and resource management systems. Accordingly, State authorities and district administrations are advised to ensure timely preparedness, including operational readiness of cooling shelters, adequate drinking water supply, and strengthened health surveillance," the IMD has recommended. The weather department defines a heatwave when the maximum temperature reaches 45 degrees Celsius in plains. "We can say that maximum temperatures are likely to be normal in March over parts of northwest India," IMD director general M Mohapatra said....