Early Onset of Heatwave in India

Summer has arrived unusually early in several parts of India.

• In February, official heatwaves were reported in Goa and Maharashtra.
• Temperatures exceeding 40°C have been recorded in Odisha, Telangana, and Maharashtra.

Temperature Anomalies

Throughout February, a significant deviation from normal temperatures was observed.

• 31 States and Union Territories experienced night temperatures at least 1°C above normal.
• 22 States and Union Territories reported night temperatures that were 3°C to 5°C above normal.

Climate Change and Heatwaves

These temperature anomalies highlight the evolving climate patterns that scientists have warned about.

• The increase in global temperatures is expected to result in more intense and frequent heatwaves.
• States and countries need to prepare for heatwaves akin to preparation for disasters like earthquakes or floods.

Current Preparedness and Challenges

A study by the Sustainable Futures Collaborative on nine Indian cities highlights the lack of long-term heat preparedness plans.

• Responses are typically limited to short-term measures such as: 
  • Providing drinking water.
  • Adjusting work hours.
  • Boosting hospital capacity during heatwaves.
• Long-term interventions needed include: 
  • Access to cooling for vulnerable populations.
  • Insurance for workers against lost income on hot days.
  • Improvement in fire management.
  • Upgrading electricity grids for reliability.
• Few cities are planning for: 
  • Expanded local weather monitoring.
  • Mapping urban heat islands.
  • Training for those implementing heat plans.

Strategies for Heat Management

Efforts to mitigate climate change are now focusing more on adaptation strategies.

• Increasing green cover and creating open spaces to reduce heat.
• Deploying rooftop solar for active cooling.
• Concerns about affordable cooling devices include the increased use of ozone-depleting refrigerants.
• Advocacy for sustainable buildings, green infrastructure, and passive cooling solutions is growing.

Call for a Comprehensive National Heat Strategy

India is urged to develop and integrate a national heat strategy into its National Adaptation Plan.

• This strategy should be in place before the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil, November.