India Heatwave Warning: 40 Extra Hot Days a Year Likely by 2045, CEEW Flags Severe Climate Risks

NewsFlash Daily™

30 April

CEEW report warns of rising extreme heat, hotter nights, and combined heat-rain risks across multiple states, raising alarms over health and infrastructure

New Delhi: A major climate warning has been issued for India, with a new report by the Council for Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) projecting a sharp rise in extreme heat conditions over the next two decades.

According to the report, the country could witness 15 to 40 additional days of extreme heat every year, significantly intensifying climate stress, public health risks, and economic challenges.

Extreme Heat to Intensify Across India

The findings indicate that temperatures across India will rise beyond normal patterns, leading to prolonged heatwaves and increased frequency of unusually hot days.

The projections are based on analysis from the Climate Resilience Analytics and Visualization Intelligence System (CRAVIS), an advanced AI-powered climate platform that has examined over four decades of data from institutions including the India Meteorological Department, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and the Forest Survey of India.

The system provides climate projections extending up to 2070, offering a long-term view of environmental shifts.

Hot Nights to Increase, Raising Health Risks

A major concern highlighted in the report is the rise in unusually warm nights, which are expected to increase by 20 to 40 days annually in many regions.

Persistently high nighttime temperatures prevent the human body from cooling down, leading to heat stress, sleep disruption, and serious health complications, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Heat to Impact Economy, Data Infrastructure

The report also flags economic concerns, especially for India’s growing digital infrastructure. With 281 data centres across the country, rising temperatures will increase the need for cooling systems, thereby pushing up operational costs and energy consumption.

Experts warn that sustained heat conditions could also reduce labour productivity, affecting sectors dependent on outdoor work.

Southern and Western States on High Alert

States such as Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are expected to face combined increases in heat and rainfall, with projections indicating 10 to 30 additional days of both extreme heat and heavy rain.

This dual impact could place immense pressure on urban infrastructure, water systems, and public health services.

Rising Climate Risks Demand Urgent Action

The report underscores that the combination of extreme heat and erratic rainfall could create complex climate challenges, increasing risks of heatwaves, flooding, and infrastructure stress simultaneously.

“Persistently hot nights and extreme daytime temperatures could severely impact health and economic productivity,” the report highlights.

A Growing Climate Crisis

The findings serve as a stark reminder that climate change is no longer a distant threat but an immediate and escalating crisis for India.

With projections indicating worsening conditions in the coming years, experts stress the need for urgent climate adaptation strategies, urban planning reforms, and public awareness to mitigate the impact.