Shares Of AC Manufacturers Gain Up To 6% Following IMD’s Heatwave Prediction For March

Shares of household appliance makers which sell air-conditioners gained up to 6 per cent in early trade on March 3, 2025 on the NSE. The stocks gained following the Indian Meteorological Department’s (IMD’s) prediction which said that the monthly maximum temperatures for March 2025 is expected to be above normal.

Shares of air conditioner maker Blue Star gained 6.01 per cent to trade at an intraday high of Rs 2,033 on the NSE. Johnson Controls – Hitachi Air Conditioning India shares climbed 1.95 per cent to trade at an intraday high of Rs 1,654.85 apiece, while stocks of Tata Group company’s Voltas climbed 4 per cent to Rs 1,373 apiece on the NSE.

A rise in temperatures and more frequent heat waves can potentially increase the demand for air-conditioners, as India gears up to brave the heat which in turn can benefit these companies.

The IMD said in its forecast that India may witness an above-normal number of heatwave days between March and May 2025. Additionally, an above normal number of hot days are expected for the month of March as well.

IMD said that heatwave-like conditions are likely over most parts of the country except the northeast of India, extreme north India, and southwestern and southern parts of peninsular India. Notably, the meteorological department declares a heatwave when the maximum temperature is over 40°C in the plains and the temperature is 4.5 degrees Celsius higher than the normal temperature. Heatwaves pose significant risks to vulnerable populations as they can lead to heatstroke and dehydration. The IMD has also urged people to utilise the IMD information resources to proactively take precautions.

“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,” IMD said.

At the time of writing, the shares of Blue Star were trading at Rs 2,020 apiece, up by 5.34 per cent on the NSE. Shares of Voltas were trading at Rs 1,345.25 apiece, up by 1.91 per cent on the NSE and Johnson Controls – Hitachi Air Conditioning India shares were trading higher by 1.6 per cent at Rs 1,649 apiece on the NSE.