Topic

Heatwave

A heatwave is an extended period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity. These extreme temperature events are typically defined based on local climate conditions and can vary greatly by region. For example, a heatwave in a typically cooler climate might be classified at lower temperatures than one in a warmer region.

Heatwaves pose significant health risks, especially to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, which can be life-threatening without proper intervention.

In addition to health impacts, heatwaves can strain infrastructure, leading to power outages as demand for air conditioning soars. They can also exacerbate drought conditions, increase wildfire risks, and cause damage to crops, impacting food supply.

The frequency and intensity of heatwaves are increasing due to climate change, making it crucial to develop adaptive strategies. These include improving urban planning with more green spaces, enhancing public health responses, and promoting energy-efficient cooling technologies.

ALL
STORIES
VIDEOS

STORIES

Earth collecting more heat than it's letting out, intensifying climate imbalance

The planet is absorbing more energy than it releases into space. Here's what the WMO's latest climate assessment reveals about the growing threat.

Earth heating faster: UN climate report says 2026 among 4 hottest years, El Nino rising

The WMO warned at COP31 that rising emissions and El Niño are driving exceptional global heat. The accelerating crisis threatens lives, livelihoods and food security worldwide.

India's rising heat is putting unborn babies at risk of premature birth

Extreme heat during April 2024 was associated with around 10,050 additional preterm births in India. The findings deepen concerns about climate change's impact on maternal and newborn health.

How rising heat is costing Indians nighttime sleep every year

A Lancet report that flagged it also found that Indians suffered an average 10.6 heatwave days annually in 2016-25, half of them due to human-driven climate change

India knows heatwaves well. What is the new threat called heat storm?

An analysis by news agency Reuters' found that giant heat storms have risen from about five a year in the 1960s to 102 in the current decade. Here's what the trend means for India.

El Nino is heating up the oceans. How sardine and mackerel supplies are at risk

India's seafood supply could face pressure as El Nino strengthens. Here's what rising sea temperatures mean for fish habitats and coastal livelihoods.

This Indian state just had its hottest monsoon in nine years. Here’s why

Both daytime and nighttime temperatures were unusually high during the 2026 monsoon, with the overall mean temperatures reaching 29.45°C.

Eco Watch | Super El Nino: Killer heat ahead

The Climate Impact Lab projects 451,000 excess heat deaths between June 2026, when the El Nino began, and February 2027, compared with the 1996-2025 average

Europe’s Matterhorn dry as Swiss glaciers lose record ice in 2026

Swiss glaciers have suffered another severe year of melting, with the latest measurements showing how quickly ice reserves are disappearing across the Alps.

Europe lost its grains to extreme heat, faces losses of around Rs 34,000 crores

A new analysis estimates major grain losses across Europe after an exceptionally hot and dry summer, with France, Hungary and the UK among the hardest hit.

41°C days: Monsoon rain dries in North India, heat returns without delay

India is seeing late-September heat even as rain continues elsewhere. A recorded 41.5°C and a strengthening El Nino offer important clues.

Super El Nino projected to cause over 4.5 lakh deaths globally in 6 months: Report

El Nino could worsen extreme heat. Here's what the new heat-death estimate means for India and why the risk could ripple into next summer.

EU plans Heatwave Plan after 35,000 deaths in Europe's brutal summer

Ursula von der Leyen proposed a European Heatwave Plan and a stronger firefighting fleet. The move reflects how Europe's deadly summer is forcing tougher EU climate preparedness.

US should have cooled down in autumn. Instead, it's baking under a giant heat dome

The US is still facing summer-like heat days before autumn, with a heat dome bringing record temperatures and dangerous humidity to parts of the country.

What made August 2026 hottest month ever on Earth while it was raining in India?

From record-warm oceans to an intensifying El Nino, several climate factors helped make August an extraordinary month for global heat. And India felt it during its monsoon season.

Godzilla El Nino to be strongest ever, 100% chance it will last until early 2027

The World Meteorological Organisation has issued its strongest El Nino forecast yet, warning that the event could continue into February 2027 and raise extreme-weather risks.

From ketchup to chaos: India’s tomatoes are having a climatic meltdown in 2026

On this week's Climate On My Plate, India Today Science explores how, for a crop this sensitive, the problem is not just hotter weather but extreme weather arriving at the wrong moment.

UK records hottest summer since 1884 as climate change drives extreme heat

The Met Office has declared summer 2026 the UK's hottest since records began in 1884. Scientists say human-driven climate change made such extreme heat far more likely and warned of hotter, drier summers ahead.

Over 75% of people believe climate change hit life, livelihood: MOTN survey

Climate change has significantly affected the lives of 52.7% Indians, while another 25% said they had been affected a little, according to India Today's Mood of the Nation survey.

Elephant skin, cement and water: Recipe to make buildings stay cool

Scientists have taken a cue from elephants to develop a material that may hold the key to fighting extreme heat which is becoming frequent as the planet continues to warm.

VIDEOS

Frequent Power Outages Spark Street Protests In Tamil Nadu