Heatwaves in India have increased in intensity and frequency over the last 26 years due to global warming, according to a recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports. While this is not new – existing research has shown this before – the study also found that the extent of heat hotspots in the country has increased during these years by 1.5 times. Parts of western India, the southeastern coast and the Indo-Gangetic Plain are among the areas most at risk in terms of health impacts on people.

Recent research predicts that deaths caused by intense heat are likely to increase in the country too. In March, a global report predicted that with current levels of warming caused by climate change, parts of northwestern and central India could witness as many as 24 deaths per every 1 lakh due to hotter temperatures.