New Delhi: India is set to face an exceptionally hot summer, with an increase in heatwave days that could impact both lives and livelihoods, according to the latest warning from the weather office.

While high summer temperatures are common in India, decades of research have shown that climate change is intensifying these heatwaves, making them longer, more frequent, and more severe.

The summer season, lasting from April to June, often sees temperatures exceeding 45°C (113°F) at its peak. This year, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts “above-normal” maximum temperatures across most of the country.

Heatwave days—defined as days when temperatures soar several degrees above the long-term average—are expected to rise. The IMD predicts up to 10 or more heatwave days, especially in eastern India, which could lead to significant heat stress, said IMD Director Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.

Typically, India experiences between four to seven heatwave days from April to June. Vulnerable groups, such as infants, the elderly, people with health conditions, and outdoor workers, are at heightened risk during these extreme conditions.

The effects of heat stress can range from dizziness and headaches to more severe outcomes like organ failure or even death. Urban areas, with their abundance of heat-retaining surfaces like concrete and brick, are particularly prone to heightened risks.

Prolonged extreme heat can also place a strain on critical infrastructure, including power grids and transportation networks.

The IMD emphasized the need for heat action plans to address these challenges, such as providing cooling centers, issuing heat advisories, and mitigating urban heat island effects in affected regions.

India experienced its longest-ever heatwave last year, with temperatures regularly exceeding 45°C. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that heat causes at least half a million deaths annually, though the actual number could be up to 30 times higher.