NEWS:  India is experiencing extreme summer heat, with Sri Ganganagar (Rajasthan) recording 48°C, the highest temperature in India this year so far

Heatwaves and Climate Change

• Climate change is closely linked to increasing heatwaves across India.
• According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, the frequency of heatwave spells has increased by 0.1 days per decade since 1961 in India's Core Heatwave Zone.
• The Core Heatwave Zone includes central India, northwestern India, and eastern coastal regions.
• This zone covers approximately 30% of India's total land area.
• The maximum duration of heatwaves has increased by 0.55 days per decade.
• According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the period 20152025 has been the warmest 11-year period since temperature records began.

Urban Heat Island Effect

The Real Danger What is an Urban Heat Island?

• An Urban Heat Island (UHI) is a situation where cities become significantly hotter than nearby rural areas.
• Indian cities are now 2°C to 10°C hotter than their surrounding countryside.

Reasons for Urban Heat Islands

• Excessive use of concrete and asphalt absorbs and stores heat.
• Large-scale loss of tree cover reduces natural cooling through shade and evapotranspiration.
• Growing use of air-conditioners releases heat into the surrounding environment.
• Increasingly sealed urban surfaces prevent natural cooling and water absorption.

Why is it Important?

• Heat becomes more intense and lasts longer in cities.
• Urban residents face higher risks of heatstroke, dehydration, and heat related illnesses.
• Poor and vulnerable populations suffer the most.

Solutions Suggested

• Better Urban Design
  • Cities should be designed to reduce heat accumulation
  • Urban planning should focus on long-term climate resilience.
• Mandatory Green Cover
  • Governments should ensure adequate tree plantation and urban forests.
  • Green spaces provide shade and naturally cool cities.
• Reflective Building Materials
  • Buildings and roads should use reflective or cool materials that reflect sunlight rather than absorb heat.
  • This reduces surface temperatures and overall city heat.
• Climate-Sensitive Building Codes
  • Building regulations should be redesigned according to present climate realities.
  • New buildings should be constructed with heat-resistant designs and materials.

Need for Heat Management Budgeting

• India has not yet held a serious national discussion on dedicated budget allocations for heat management.
• Heatwaves should be treated as a major public health and developmental challenge.
• Governments need dedicated funds for: Heat Action Plans, Cooling infrastructure, Urban greening projects, Public awareness campaigns