Heatwaves in India: An Intensifying Climate Emergency
Heatwaves have emerged as one of the most severe manifestations of climate change, particularly in tropical countries like India. Unlike sudden disasters, heatwaves are “silent killers” whose impacts accumulate gradually yet devastate human health, economies, and ecosystems. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) , a heatwave is declared when: Maximum temperature ≥ 40°C in plains (≥30°C in hills), and Departure from normal is 4.5°C to 6.4°C (heatwave) or ≥6.5°C (severe heatwave) Alternatively, any temperature ≥45°C is classified as a heatwave irrespective of normal levels Globally, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) defines heatwaves as prolonged periods of abnormally high temperatures, including both daytime and night-time temperatures , the latter being crucial for human recovery. Spatial & Temporal Occurrence in India Heatwaves in India exhibit a distinct seasonal and regional pat...