India’s Increasing Vulnerability to Extreme Weather Events

In August, 2024, a recent analysis shows that over 84% of Indian districts are prone to severe heat waves, while 70% are seeing a rise in extreme rainfall events.

The report, titled "Managing Monsoons in a Warming Climate,” highlights the intensifying impact of climate change on India’s weather patterns.

Key Points

Increasing Heat Wave Exposure: The report indicates that extended summer-like conditions are becoming common during the June-September monsoon period.
By 2036, eight out of ten Indians are projected to face significant exposure to extreme weather events.
Need for Improved Risk Assessment: The study calls for adopting detailed risk assessments and establishing climate-risk observatories to protect agriculture, industry, and infrastructure from climate change impacts.
Top Heatwave Hotspots: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tripura were identified as the top heatwave hotspots from 2013 to 2022.
The report notes a 36% increase in heatwave days in plains and hills, and a 30% rise in coastal areas during this decade.
Impact of Extreme Heat Events: The decade saw fewer cumulative heatwave days compared to previous decades, with the most severe event occurring in 2015, the second deadliest after 1998.
Regional Variations: Coastal districts experienced a decrease in heatwave occurrences due to increased cyclonic activity in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
2024 Heat Wave Data: In 2024, India experienced 41,789 suspected heat stroke cases and 143 heat-related deaths, with Delhi suffering severe impacts including water and power crises.