As climate change intensifies, India faces an alarming rise in heat risk, with recent studies indicating that a staggering 76% of the country’s population resides in districts categorized as having ‘high’ to ‘very high’ heat risk. A report by the Council on Energy Environment and Water (CEEW) published on May 20, 2025, emphasizes the pressing nature of this crisis, detailing how extreme weather patterns are affecting the health and livelihoods of millions.
The study defines heat risk using a comprehensive Heat Risk Index (HRI) that assesses 734 districts across India, incorporating over 40 years of climate data, satellite imagery, and socio-economic factors. Of particular concern is the finding that 417 districts fall into categories of either high or very high risk. The most affected areas include Delhi, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and others, where high population density exacerbates the impacts of rising temperatures.
The CEEW study reveals a troubling trend: while the number of very hot days is increasing, the rise in very warm nights poses an even greater risk. Nights characterized by high temperatures prevent the human body from cooling down, which is critical for overall health. Urban areas, particularly, are seeing increased nighttime temperatures due to the urban heat island effect, where cities become significantly hotter than their rural surroundings.
Cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Jaipur are experiencing notably more very warm nights, which can lead to increased instances of heat exhaustion and heat-related illnesses. Furthermore, the report indicates that even regions traditionally known for their cooler climates, such as the Himalayan territories, have seen substantial increases in both hot days and warm nights.
The implications of rising heat levels are profound, particularly for vulnerable populations. Outdoor workers, pregnant women, children, and the elderly are at heightened risk of heat-related health issues, with experts warning that this situation could lead to a drastic loss of labour productivity, potentially costing India up to 35 million jobs and reducing the GDP by 4.5% by 2030.
Moreover, the World Health Organization reports a troubling history of heatwave fatalities, with over 166,000 deaths attributed to heat-related causes from 1998 to 2017. Last summer alone saw over 48,000 reported cases of heatstroke, highlighting the urgent need for better monitoring and response measures.
-Raja Aditya
