India, known for its climatic diversity and agricultural heritage, is now facing increasingly severe and frequent heatwaves. What was once a seasonal event has become a recurring public health emergency — and a clear warning of the escalating climate crisis. During the summer of 2025, many regions experienced unprecedented temperatures, threatening millions of lives and livelihoods. This crisis highlights the urgent need for stronger climate action at both national and global levels.
A heatwave is a prolonged period of unusually high temperatures, often accompanied by high humidity. In India, a heatwave is declared when temperatures exceed 40°C in the plains and are at least 4.5°C above normal. Recent patterns show:
Climate change and rapid urbanization are key drivers behind this shift.
In May–June 2025, states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh recorded alarming temperatures:
| Location | Peak Temperature | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Phalodi (Rajasthan) | 51.2°C | National temperature record broken |
| Delhi | 45°C+ for 10 days | Severe heat stress and power shortages |
| Patna (Bihar) | 44°C | Water crisis and power outages |
Hospitals reported a surge in heatstroke cases, with over 300 confirmed deaths — likely underreported. Crop losses, livestock deaths, and electricity failures worsened the crisis.
The intensity of heatwaves is strongly linked to:
South Asia is one of the world’s most heat-vulnerable regions.
The losses amount to thousands of crores and threaten food security.
Urban areas heat up faster due to concrete structures and lack of green spaces. Night temperatures hovered above 35°C in cities like Delhi and Ahmedabad. Low-income communities suffered most due to poorly ventilated housing and limited cooling access.
Farmers faced water scarcity, lower crop germination, livestock deaths, and higher irrigation costs — pushing many into debt and triggering migration to cities.
Some states implemented Heat Action Plans, school closures, and public advisories. But experts argue that stronger, long-term, nationwide planning is urgently needed.
India must:
India faces high climate risks despite low per-capita emissions. Developed countries must provide technological and financial support to ensure equitable climate adaptation.
The 2025 heatwave serves as a critical warning: India’s fight against climate change is no longer optional — it is essential for safeguarding public health, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. The time to act is now.
भारत में हीटवेव का संकट: रिकॉर्ड गर्मी और जलवायु कार्रवाई की तात्कालिक आवश्यकताभारत, जो विविध मौसम और कृषि परंपरा के लिए जाना जाता है, अब लगातार बढ़ती और खतरनाक हीटवेव से जूझ रहा है। जो कभी एक मौसमी घटना थी, वह अब एक गंभीर सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य आपातकाल बन चुकी है। 2025 की गर्मियों में देश के कई हिस्सों में रिकॉर्ड तोड़ तापमान दर्ज किया गया, जिससे करोड़ों लोगों के जीवन और आजीविका पर खतरा मंडराया। यह संकट राष्ट्रीय और वैश्विक स्तर पर जलवायु कार्रवाई की आवश्यकता पर जोर देता है।