Overview

• A CEEW study finds that 76% of India's population resides in districts classified as high or very high heat risk zones, with night-time temperatures rising faster than daytime heat.
• Prolonged exposure to extreme heat and humidity is causing increased cases of headaches, dehydration, fatigue, and disrupted sleep, particularly in urban and northern regions.
• Heatwaves are creating severe economic disruptions, with India losing an estimated $100 billion in productivity in 2022, disproportionately affecting outdoor workers and small businesses.
• The urban heat island effect and rising humidity in traditionally dry areas are exacerbating heat stress, particularly in densely populated cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
• Experts are urging a national heatwave mitigation framework, including cooling centers, urban planning reforms, subsidized cooling solutions, and enhanced healthcare readiness.