India's Relentless Heatwaves and Extreme Temperatures

India has been facing a severe heatwave for several weeks, with temperatures reaching beyond 45°C. Since April, at least 37 people in India have died to to the extreme heat, and the current conditions show no sign of slowing down. Data from the Indian Meteorological Department shows that in 2024, the country recorded 200 heatwave days, with a peak temperature of 52.3°C - the highest since 2010.

India has seen many heatwaves in recent years. From 2010 to 2024, the country averaged 130.6 heatwave days annually, and 2024 was the worst year on record since 2012. That year, India saw 200 heatwave days, almost 70 more than the average.

Extreme heat in India puts millions of lives at risk. Current research estimates that a single day of extreme heat could cause up to 3,400 excess deaths. Nighttime temperatures are particularly dangerous, preventing the body from cooling and maintaining constant thermal stress through 24-hour cycles. The heatwave is also devastating agriculture and straining the power grid due to the increased electricity demand.