As India struggles with intense heatwaves striking earlier than usual for the third consecutive summer, millions are facing the dual challenges of stifling humidity and soaring temperatures. This concerning trend, exacerbated by the effects of climate change, poses significant threats to public health, emphasizing the critical need for adaptive measures. Researchers caution that without prompt intervention, the lives of over a billion individuals could be imperiled.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alarming forecasts, projecting a stark increase in the frequency of heatwave days from April to June, signaling the urgency of addressing this escalating crisis. In its press release dated April 01, 2024, the IMD states, “During the 2024 hot weather season (April to June (AMJ)), above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of the country, except some parts of east and northeast India and pockets of northwest India where normal to below-normal maximum temperatures are likely.”

Defining a heatwave in India varies, with the IMD employing thresholds based on temperatures surpassing 40°C in low-lying regions and 30°C in mountainous areas. However, it’s crucial to recognize that factors such as humidity significantly contribute to the severity of the heat. To provide a more accurate assessment, the agency’s Heat Index incorporates humidity levels, offering insights into the actual perceived temperature.

A notable increase in moist heat strength, particularly in coastal regions, has been observed, attributed to climate change-induced moisture levels. A recent study published in Environment International, led by Jeroen de Bont et al. (2024), maps the health risks associated with heatwaves in India. The study highlights that while the most extreme heatwaves have immediate impacts on mortality, it’s the milder ones that claim more lives over time due to their higher frequency. Improving heat advisories is deemed crucial for reducing mortality rates and enhancing quality of life during summers.

Map Source– India Meteorological Department (IMD)

India’s battle with heatwaves underscores the complex challenges posed by climate change. Urgent action is imperative to mitigate the impacts of rising temperatures, ranging from strengthening early warning systems to fortifying infrastructure resilience. Only through collaborative efforts can India effectively confront the looming threat of extreme heat and safeguard the well-being of its citizens. To minimize the impacts of heatwaves, incorporating green spaces into urban environments is a vital strategy. Green spaces, such as parks, gardens, and tree-lined streets, offer numerous benefits in mitigating the effects of extreme heat and enhancing the resilience of communities. By prioritizing the creation and preservation of green areas, policymakers, urban planners, and communities can effectively mitigate the impacts of heatwaves and create healthier, more sustainable urban environments for all residents.

References:

• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2016857
• Jeroen de Bont, Amruta Nori-Sarma, Massimo Stafoggia, Tirthankar Banerjee, Vijendra Ingole, Suganthi Jaganathan, Siddhartha Mandal, Ajit Rajiva, Bhargav Krishna, Itai Kloog, Kevin Lane, Rajesh K Mall, Abhiyant Suresh Tiwari, Yaguang Wei, Gregory A. Wellenius, Dorairaj Prabhakaran, Joel Schwartz*, Poornima Prabhakaran*, Petter Ljungman, 2024 “Impact of heatwaves on all-cause mortality in India: a comprehensive multi-city study”, Environment International online 2024-01-26, doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108461 Top of Form