Brace for Impact: Climate Report Warns Heatwave Days Will Double by 2030 in Major Cities

Climate change is becoming a serious concern for India, especially when it comes to extreme weather events. A recent study by IPE Global and Esri India reveals that by 2030, urban centers may experience a significant rise in both heat waves and erratic rainfall.

Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai could see heat wave days double compared to 1980. This means more sweltering days and unpredictable rainfalls, which could affect daily life and agriculture. The study predicts a startling 43% increase in extreme rainfall events, making the country not just hotter but also wetter.

In the past three decades, India has experienced a shocking increase in extreme heat. Between 1993 and 2024, there’s been a 15-fold rise in heat wave days over key months. Alarmingly, just the last decade alone saw a 19-fold increase. Last summer, a prolonged heat wave and flooding led to over 100 deaths, underscoring the urgency of addressing these climate challenges.

Abinash Mohanty, a climate expert and lead author of the study, emphasizes the need for action. The analysis suggests that major weather patterns, like El Niño and La Niña, will worsen extreme events, including storms and floods. Approximately 72% of major cities are expected to face increased occurrences of heat stress and extreme rainfall.

To combat these issues, the study calls for improved risk assessments and the establishment of Climate Risk Observatories. These observatories could help track the risks associated with heatwaves and erratic rainfall, safeguarding agriculture and infrastructure.

In summary, as the climate crisis deepens, understanding these risks and planning for them becomes critical. The upcoming years will likely challenge how India responds to weather extremes, shaping the country’s future. By investing in robust assessments and infrastructural changes, India can better prepare for an uncertain climate.



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