Overview

• Pre-monsoon downpours on May 26 overwhelmed Mumbai’s and Delhi’s drainage systems, triggering flash floods and widespread commuter disruptions.
• Northern and central regions recorded extreme heat with temperatures soaring above 45°C, peaking at 48°C in Barmer, Rajasthan, and prompting heatwave alerts and school closures.
• The UN’s IPCC has flagged India as one of the world’s most susceptible regions to intensified humid heat stress and unpredictable rainfall patterns under a 1.5°C rise.
• Over 90% of India’s workers in the informal sector face acute health dangers and economic losses as rising heat stress undermines livelihoods.
• Analysts urge a comprehensive response—including strengthened heat action plans, water management reforms and climate-resilient infrastructure—to bolster resilience ahead of the monsoon.