India witnessed an alarming surge in extreme heat events in 2024, with each person exposed to an average of 20 heatwave days, of which 6.5 days were directly linked to human-induced climate change, according to a new global analysis.

The findings, published by Climate Central, highlight how rising greenhouse gas emissions and global warming are intensifying the frequency and duration of heatwaves across the subcontinent. India emerged among the top countries most affected, with severe implications for public health, agriculture, and energy systems.

Experts noted that 2024 was one of the hottest years on record, with several states — including Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana — recording prolonged spells of extreme temperatures exceeding 45°C. The study also emphasized that the intensity of heatwaves is no longer a rare event, but a growing seasonal pattern intensified by climate change and rapid urbanization.

climate scientist and contributor to the report, stated, “The data shows that climate change is no longer a distant threat — it is shaping daily realities. The increase in heatwave exposure directly affects livelihoods, health outcomes, and food security.”

The report further warned that vulnerable groups, including outdoor workers, children, and the elderly, face the greatest risk, urging policymakers to strengthen heat action plans, improve early warning systems, and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure.

India has been making strides in adapting to extreme weather through its National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and state-specific heatwave response frameworks, but experts say urgent and coordinated action is essential to mitigate worsening impacts.

As global temperatures continue to rise, the study underscores that India’s exposure to deadly heatwaves will only intensify, unless substantial efforts are made to curb emissions and build sustainable urban resilience.