Extreme weather in India: Most blame climate change

India is experiencing more frequent and severe extreme weather events as the climate warms. Recent months have brought intense heat waves, floods, water shortages, and unpredictable monsoon patterns across the country. These events have affected people’s lives and work and influenced how they see climate change.

A survey conducted by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (YPCCC) and CVoter asked 10,751 people across India about their experiences with extreme weather. The survey ran from December 5, 2024, to February 18, 2025.

Heatwaves, floods, and water shortages hit millions

Most people surveyed said they personally experienced at least one extreme weather event or its effects in the past year.

Severe heat waves affected 71% of respondents. Agricultural pests and diseases impacted 60%. Power outages were reported by 59%. Water pollution was noticed by 53%. Droughts and water shortages affected 52%. Severe air pollution also affected 52%.

This survey shows the growing challenges Indians face from climate change and extreme weather.

India’s temperature has been rising steadily. Annual average temperatures have gone up by as much as 1.0°C in the last 60 years. Future projections show further increases—up to 2.1°C in the hottest months by 2050 under high emissions scenarios.

The warming climate affects more than just temperatures. Droughts are becoming more frequent. Water runoff is decreasing. Heatwaves are lasting longer. These changes threaten food and water security, especially in rural areas.

India’s climate ranges from tropical in the south to alpine in the north, shaped by the Himalayas and the Thar Desert. These natural features affect temperature and rainfall patterns. But even these systems are under stress.

Rainfall is also changing. While some areas may get more rain, others may get less. The timing and intensity of the monsoon are becoming unpredictable. This affects farming and water supplies.

The Indian Ocean is warming too. Sea surface temperatures are rising by about 0.2°C per decade. Coastal ecosystems like coral reefs and mangroves are under pressure. Ocean acidification is increasing due to higher CO₂ levels. This affects marine life and fish stocks.

All these climate shifts—on land and at sea—connect to the lived experiences people shared in the survey.

Indians deeply worry about climate

Most people in India are worried about how extreme weather and related problems affect their local areas. More than half say they are very worried about several issues. These include the extinction of plants and animals (61%), severe heat waves (56%), pests and diseases in crops (62%), droughts and water shortages (58%), water pollution (55%), severe air pollution (54%), and food shortages or famines (51%).

Most Indians believe global warming is making these problems worse. At least half say global warming affects the extinction of plants and animals (64%), severe heat waves (62%), pests and diseases (62%), droughts and water shortages (60%), severe air pollution (59%), and water pollution (57%) a lot. More than half also say global warming affects severe cyclones (54%), famines and food shortages (53%), floods (53%), monsoons (52%), and storms (50%). Additionally, 43% think global warming greatly impacts power outages.

Many unaware of global warming

The survey shows that extreme weather and related issues are common and cause real worry for many Indians. These risks are not just ideas but part of daily life. Many people worry because they have experienced these events firsthand. After learning what global warming means, most respondents said it affects many of these problems, especially species extinction, heat waves, and crop damage.

Still, about 32% of people in India have never heard of global warming. This shows the need to increase public knowledge about climate change and its effects. It also highlights the urgency to reduce pollution and prepare for future extreme weather events.

This survey included 10,751 adults from across India. It was conducted by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and CVoter between December 5, 2024, and February 18, 2025.

The survey reached people by phone in 12 languages based on where they live. The sample matched India’s population by gender, age, education, income, religion, and urban or rural status. The margin of error is plus or minus one percentage point at a 95% confidence level.

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