India is facing one of its most intense heatwaves in recent memory, with temperatures in parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi crossing 48°C in May 2025. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts across northern and central India, warning of severe health and infrastructure impacts.
This prolonged heatwave has disrupted daily life, caused school closures, reduced agricultural productivity, and strained power and water supplies. Urban areas are especially affected due to the urban heat island effect — where concrete structures trap and intensify heat.
Experts attribute this crisis to global climate change, compounded by deforestation, overdevelopment, and lack of green cover. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) had warned that South Asia would see increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, and 2025 is proving it true.
To combat the heat, state governments have implemented heat action plans including early warning systems, distribution of oral rehydration salts, and cooling shelters. However, implementation varies, and many rural and urban poor remain vulnerable.
India’s heatwave crisis is not just a seasonal event — it’s a wake-up call. Stronger climate adaptation policies, investment in green infrastructure, and carbon reduction commitments are now urgent. Without immediate action, such heatwaves could become the new normal.