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India is bracing itself for a scorching summer ahead, as it recorded its hottest February since 1901, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The average maximum temperature in February was 29.5C, which is the highest recorded temperature since India began keeping proper weather records.

IMD has also predicted an "enhanced probability" of heat waves between March and May. If prolonged, the heat waves could have a negative impact on wheat production and raise power demand.

While hot summers and heat waves are common in India, especially in May and June, the trend of earlier and more intense heat waves is becoming more frequent. Last year, India was forced to ban wheat exports after unseasonably hot weather affected the crop, causing local prices to soar. This year, the federal government set up a committee to monitor the impact of high temperatures on this year's harvest. The country is the world's second-largest wheat producer.

The impact of high temperatures on power demand is also a concern, as the unusually high temperatures last year led to outages in many states. This year, demand for electricity has already reached near-record levels in recent weeks. Experts have also raised concerns about the impact of extreme heat on the poor, who often have to work outside and have less access to resources to help them stay cool.


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