India’s average temperature has risen by just 0.7 degrees Celsius over the last century — but it tells a much bigger story. Scientific projections suggest that the frequency of summer heatwaves across India could rise by a staggering 300 to 400% by the end of the century. More troubling still is the rise in warm nights, projected to outpace the increase in warm days.
Without adequate protection, heat-related illnesses — from rashes and cramps to life-threatening heatstrokes — are likely to become increasingly common.
The economic cost is equally alarming. According to a 2024 study published in The Lancet, the annual labour hours lost in India due to heat exposure are now 124% higher than during 1990 to 1999, with agriculture accounting for nearly 66% of the losses.
Reduced labour capacity during heatwaves leads to an annual income loss of nearly $194 billion. Clearly, the heat is on.
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