India’s heatwave geography is shifting fast. A new study shows extreme heat is lasting longer, spreading beyond old hotspots and making warm nights, humid cities and outdoor work far more dangerous for millions across the country
By the second week of May this year, India’s heat risk had begun to sharpen again. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of heatwave conditions over parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, along with warm-night conditions in parts of Rajasthan.
India has always had harsh summers. But the pattern now emerging is different. Heat is arriving earlier, lasting longer, spreading across a wider geography and affecting regions that were not historically part of India’s traditional heatwave belt. Plus there’s no respite at night.
India has always had harsh summers. But the pattern now emerging is different. Heat is arriving earlier, lasting longer, spreading across a wider geography and affecting regions that were not historically part of India’s traditional heatwave belt. Plus there’s no respite at night.