Heatwaves in India are intensifying. They arrive earlier, last longer, and grow more severe. In April 2026, all 50 of the world’s hottest cities were in India, with temperatures reaching 44–45°C in Bhagalpur, Talcher, and Asansol, while Delhi-NCR recorded 42–45°C.
India needs to make heat plans actionable, introduce climate-smart urban design, protect workers, enable water and cooling access, establish gender-sensitive policies, and introduce efficient data and monitoring measures.