India Faces Growing Heatwave Risks Amid Climate Change
India Faces Growing Heatwave Risks Amid Climate Change
India · Published Oct 5, 2026
• India is grappling with increasingly severe heatwaves, with 14 of the world's 50 hottest cities located in the country as of 2026, according to an Oxford University study.
• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has implemented revised guidelines for heatwave management, emphasizing long-term adaptation strategies such as urban green spaces, cool roofs, and improved urban planning.

Impact & Risks

Heatwaves in India have caused over 20,000 deaths between 1992 and 2015, with 2,422 fatalities in 2015 alone. Vulnerable populations, including outdoor workers, children, and the elderly, face heightened risks of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke. Urban areas are particularly affected due to the Urban Heat Island effect, which exacerbates nighttime temperatures and limits recovery from daytime heat exposure.

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