Delhi Among India's Most At-Risk Regions on Heat Risk Index

 

A recent global study has revealed that Delhi ranks among the highest heat-risk zones in India. The report, published by Carbon Plan, Virginia Tech, and the Washington Post under the “Power Outage and Heat Risk Index,” identifies 57% of Indian districts as being at extreme heat risk, with Delhi topping the list.

The findings are based on a comparative analysis of historical temperature and night-time heat trends recorded between 1982 and 2011, and changes observed from 2011 to 2022. The report highlights that Delhi has experienced one of the sharpest increases in night-time temperatures over the last decade.

 

Key Findings of the Report:

• Delhi, along with Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, is listed among India's most heat-vulnerable states.
• 57% of districts in India are experiencing extreme heat more frequently compared to earlier years, especially at night.
• Night-time heat, a major contributor to heat-related stress and deaths, is rising faster than day-time temperatures.
• Vulnerable populations in urban slums, low-income rural districts, and regions with inadequate electricity supply and health infrastructure are at highest risk.
• 734 districts across India were studied for the report.

 

Why Night-Time Heat Matters

The report emphasizes that rising night temperatures are more harmful than day-time heat since the human body cannot cool down efficiently during sleep, increasing the risk of heat strokes, dehydration, and cardiac issues.

In addition, regions experiencing frequent power outages during heatwaves face increased health hazards due to lack of access to fans, coolers, or air conditioners—especially in poorer communities.

 

Urgent Need for Preparedness

Experts warn that the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are likely to increase with climate change, making heat risk mitigation a critical policy priority. The report urges authorities to:

• Improve early warning systems.
• Enhance healthcare infrastructure.
• Ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in vulnerable regions.
• Promote green spaces and urban cooling initiatives.

This data-driven insight calls for urgent collaboration between governments, urban planners, and climate scientists to tackle the looming threat of extreme heat in India.