Heat Wave Disrupts Life in India

The India Meteorological Department forecasts temperatures of about 45°C in New Delhi as a heat wave affects large parts of India. Roads and markets are emptying during afternoons, and some farmers in Uttar Pradesh now work at night to avoid the intense heat. Authorities opened temporary cooling zones with air coolers and water for those seeking relief.

In Banda, temperatures reached 48.2°C on Tuesday, prompting early summer vacations and school closures. Health officials advise people to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activity during peak hours, but accurately tracking heat-related deaths remains difficult.

Public health experts estimate between 1,116 and thousands of people die annually from heat exposure, as heat is often not listed as a cause of death. Anjal Prakash of FLAME University notes that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of these heat waves, and research continues on understanding the full impact.