A blistering heatwave has swept across northern India, pushing temperatures to extreme highs and disrupting daily life for millions. With the mercury soaring past 47°C in some areas and Delhi bracing for a peak of 44°C today, the region is grappling with severe heatwave conditions that have sparked health concerns, strained infrastructure, and prompted urgent calls for adaptive measures.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave warnings for states including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), forecasting that these conditions will persist for at least the next few days.

A Region Under Siege

The heatwave, which began intensifying over the weekend, has brought life to a standstill in many parts of northern India. In Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir, visuals captured residents seeking shade under trees, while in Delhi, iconic landmarks like India Gate saw fewer visitors as people avoided the scorching outdoors. In Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, temperatures reportedly hit 48°C, forcing locals indoors and disrupting daily routines.

The extreme heat has exacerbated health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and outdoor workers. Last year, India recorded over 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases and at least 110 confirmed deaths during a prolonged heatwave, highlighting the lethal potential of such conditions. Experts warn that the absence of standardized reporting for heat-related deaths may be masking the true toll, with estimates suggesting up to 155,937 heat-related fatalities in 2021 alone.

Dr. Priya Sharma, a public health expert in Delhi, emphasized the dangers: “Heatwaves are silent killers. Prolonged exposure can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and exacerbate existing conditions like cardiovascular diseases. Women, who often juggle unpaid care work, are particularly at risk.”

Economic and Environmental Impacts

The heatwave is also taking a toll on India’s economy and infrastructure. The agricultural sector, a lifeline for millions, is under strain, with studies indicating that a single degree of warming can reduce wheat yields by approximately 5.2%. The 2022 heatwave caused wheat yield losses of up to 15% in some districts, contributing to global food price inflation.

Energy demands have surged as air-conditioning usage spikes. During the 2024 heatwave, air-conditioning consumption rose by 10.4% compared to the previous year, putting pressure on India’s coal-heavy energy grid, which accounts for 55% of the country’s energy mix. The International Energy Agency projects that India could have over 1 billion air-conditioning units in operation by 2050, further straining resources as heatwave days are expected to double this year.

The heatwave’s intensity is compounded by rising nighttime temperatures and humidity, which offer little respite and increase health risks. A recent study by the Centre for Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) found that 57% of Indian districts, home to 76% of the population, face high to very high heat risk.

Climate Change and Unpredictable Weather

This heatwave follows an unusual weather pattern earlier this year. While May 2024 was marked by record-breaking heat, May 2025 saw unseasonably cool temperatures and unseasonal rains, signaling the growing unpredictability of India’s climate. Experts attribute these fluctuations to climate change, which is driving more frequent and intense weather events.

A Yale survey conducted between December 2024 and February 2025 revealed that 71% of Indians experienced severe heatwaves in the past year, with over half recognizing climate change as a key driver.

IMD Scientist Akhil Srivastava noted, “Northwest India is likely to experience heatwave conditions for the next four days, particularly in the plains.

However, we expect the monsoon to regain momentum between June 12 and 18, bringing relief to central and eastern India.” The monsoon’s stalled progress over Mumbai and parts of West Bengal has delayed relief, leaving northern India to endure the brunt of the heat.

Adaptive Measures and Calls for Action

As the heatwave tightens its grip, local governments are taking action. Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan, a pioneer in South Asia, has reduced excess mortality by up to 27% through early warnings and medical preparedness.

Odisha’s gender-responsive disaster management strategies, including training for district-level officers, are also setting a precedent. However, experts argue that national guidelines must explicitly recognize heatwaves as a health risk to ensure comprehensive preparedness.

On social media platform X, users have expressed growing concern. One post noted, “The heatwave across Northern India has escalated rapidly. 40+ is the norm in day and 30+ in the night it looks like.” Another highlighted the unusual timing, stating, “Heatwaves during monsoon, unusual. Take care all.”

As northern India braces for more scorching days, the heatwave underscores the urgent need for robust climate adaptation strategies. From improving heat-related death reporting to scaling up gender-responsive policies and sustainable cooling solutions, India faces a critical moment to protect its population from the escalating impacts of climate change.

For now, residents are urged to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat, and seek shade wherever possible as the region awaits the monsoon’s cooling rains.