Heatwaves to become longer, frequent and more intense in India, warn experts

The recent surge in heatwaves across India that has country’s northern parts reeling under extreme temperatures is becoming a public health crisis, experts have warned.

Rising global temperatures, among other causes have intensified heatwaves, making them longer, more frequent and more intense.

A heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is above 40 degrees Celsius and 4.5 degrees above normal while severe heatwave is declared when the temperature is above 40 degrees Celsius and 6.5 degrees above normal. 

Currently, the northern parts of India are enduring a temperature well above 45 degrees Celsius. Temperature readings in the capital New Delhi almost neared 50 degrees Celsius this week.

The highest confirmed temperature ever recorded in India was 51 degrees Celsius (123.8F), in Phalodi on the edge of Rajasthan's Thar Desert in 2016.

Experts have warned that since cities are more vulnerable to the effects of urbanization and climate change, greater number of hotter days, increased number of dry spells and less rainy days are expected.

Heatwaves are currently the single largest threat to India's well-being today, as the question now is about survivability.

There is no respite from the heat even at night as the temperatures do not lower as significantly as early 2000s.

Prolonged heat exposure can lead to several health concerns including dehydration, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and even death. Especially, the vulnerable population like the elderly, children and those with pre-existing health conditions are at higher risk.

The lack  of access to cooling facilities, inadequate infrastructure and limited resources aggravate the risks.

A study published by New Delhi's Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) this month said Indian cities were not cooling down after sunset as much as they had in the decade of 2001-2010.

The study found that temperatures then dropped nearly 2 degree Celsius after dusk as compared to today.
According to researchers, human-induced climate change should be reduced as it has driven the devastating heat impact in India.

"The suffering India is facing this week is worse because of climate change, caused by burning coal, oil and gas and deforestation," said Friederike Otto, a climatologist at the Imperial College London and director of World Weather Attribution.

Despite being the third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, India has said it will achieve a net zero emissions economy by 2070, which is two decades after most of the industrialized West.

India is mostly reliant on coal for power generation. The current Narendra Modi-led BJP government has said the fossil fuel remains central to meeting India's rising energy needs.