India records alarming rise in heatwave days: Govt in Lok Sabha

India experienced a surge in heatwave days in 2024, recording 554 days compared to 230 in 2023, underscoring the growing threat of climate-induced heat stress. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Union Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, presented these figures to the Rajya Sabha on December 5, 2024.

The government has noted this alarming trend and initiated measures to mitigate the impact of heat waves on public health and safety. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and local health departments, has rolled out a comprehensive Heat Action Plan (HAP) across various states. This initiative focuses on forewarning the public about impending heatwaves and providing actionable advice to reduce their effects.

IMD has intensified efforts to provide real-time heatwave forecasts and warnings to stakeholders like Union ministries, state governments, and local bodies. Alerts are issued using a colour-coded system to signal heatwave severity and recommend actions to mitigate risks.

Warnings are disseminated through IMD’s website, APIs, Common Alert Protocol (CAP), WhatsApp, and email. Regular national and state-level heatwave preparedness meetings are conducted before the summer season, with periodic reviews during the season.

The NDMA has developed guidelines to protect vulnerable groups, particularly laborers disproportionately affected by extreme heat.

Heatwave data shows regional disparities

Data from the past three years reveals significant regional variations in heatwave occurrences. Key findings include:

• Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar consistently report high heatwave days, with Odisha recording 37 days in 2024, up from 24 in 2023.

• East and West Uttar Pradesh saw sharp increases, with 33 and 32 heatwave days in 2024 compared to significantly lower numbers in 2023.

• Southern states, which typically report fewer heatwave days, also saw increases. North Interior Karnataka recorded 18 heatwave days in 2024, up from none in 2023.

Cumulative heatwave days in India surged from 467 in 2022 to 554 in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for climate resilience measures.

A call for preparedness

The rise in heatwave days highlights the escalating challenges of climate change. The government’s proactive approach, including the Heat Action Plan and real-time alerts, marks a crucial step towards safeguarding public health. However, sustained efforts at community, state, and national levels are essential to mitigate the long-term impact of extreme heat events on the Indian population.

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