Heatwave Havoc: Analyzing India's Hottest Decade

The report ''Managing Monsoons in a Warming Climate'' highlights that Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tripura were the top heatwave hotspots in the decade 2013-22. It notes significant increases in heatwave days in plains and hills and discusses the deadly impacts, with 2015 being the second deadliest year.

A new analysis has identified Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tripura as the top five heatwave hotspot states in the 2013-22 decade.

The report, ''Managing Monsoons in a Warming Climate'' by IPE Global Limited and Esri India Technologies, reveals that 74% of districts in coastal regions, 71% in plains, and 65% in hills faced 'high to very high' exposure to extreme heat waves.

During this period, plains and hills experienced a 36% increase in heatwave days, while coastal areas saw a 30% rise. However, the decade recorded fewer heatwave days compared to the previous two. The most severe heatwave event occurred in 2015, marking it the second deadliest after 1998.

The analysis also found that districts in the plains faced the highest number of heatwave days during March-September, while coastal regions saw a decline, possibly due to increased cyclonic activities. Government data shows extreme heat and sunstroke claimed 10,635 lives over the decade, with Andhra Pradesh registering the highest deaths at 2,203.

In 2024, India recorded an intense heatwave season with 536 heatwave days and temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in Rajasthan. Delhi faced severe water and power crises, while recording 60 heat-related deaths this year.