India’s rising temperatures are becoming more than just a seasonal problem. A new study has warned that extreme heat may be causing far more deaths than officially recorded, raising concerns that heatwaves are turning into a major public health emergency.
The summer of 2026 has already seen temperatures cross 45°C in several parts of the country, once again drawing attention to the growing threat of extreme heat. Researchers say such conditions are becoming more frequent and are increasingly being treated as normal, even though they pose serious risks to human life.
The warning comes from a study conducted by researchers Piyush Narang and Ashok Gadgil of the University of California, Berkeley. The researchers used findings from earlier studies conducted in 10 Indian cities and applied the data across districts nationwide to estimate the impact of extreme heat.
According to the study, a single day of severe heat across India could lead to nearly 3,400 excess deaths. A five-day heatwave, the study estimates, could result in close to 30,000 excess deaths.
Researchers described these numbers as careful lower-bound estimates, meaning the real impact could be even higher.
India has long experienced harsh summers, but heatwaves have become longer and more intense in recent years. In 2024, parts of Rajasthan recorded temperatures as high as 50.5°C, while Delhi experienced some of its hottest nights in years.
This year has brought similar conditions across northern, central and western India. Severe heat alerts have been issued in areas including Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Another growing concern is the rise in unusually warm nights. Normally, night-time offers some relief from daytime heat, but urban areas filled with concrete structures often remain hot even after sunset. This trapped heat leaves millions without cooling relief.
The impact of extreme heat is not felt equally across society. Farmers, outdoor workers and elderly people are among those most vulnerable because they spend more time exposed to high temperatures and may have fewer resources to protect themselves. The study points out that the human cost of heat is often hidden.
Official records of “heatstroke deaths” usually report only a few hundred deaths during severe summer seasons. However, many heat-related deaths are not officially identified as being caused by heat.
Instead, such deaths may be recorded under causes like heart attacks, breathing problems or other medical conditions, particularly among vulnerable populations. Because of this, experts say the true scale of heat-related deaths has remained difficult to measure.
The Berkeley researchers attempted to address this gap by estimating the broader impact of extreme temperatures across India.
Their findings suggest that Uttar Pradesh could face more than 8,000 excess deaths during a five-day heatwave.
The study also highlighted city districts that may face particularly severe impacts. Districts in Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Surat could each witness more than 250 extra deaths during a single extreme heat day.
Researchers further noted that poorer states with lower economic resources often face a heavier burden during heatwaves. Limited infrastructure and fewer resources make it harder for such regions to respond effectively, raising questions about equal protection and support during climate-related emergencies.
Experts warn that the challenge may worsen in coming years as global temperatures continue to rise.
With heatwaves expected to become more frequent, specialists say India needs stronger preparation measures. These include better local warning systems, improved healthcare readiness during hot weather and focused protection for high-risk communities and districts.
The study stresses that extreme heat should not be viewed merely as a period of discomfort or inconvenience. Instead, researchers describe it as a growing public health emergency that requires immediate attention and long-term planning.
As temperatures continue to rise across the country, the findings serve as a reminder that the dangers of extreme heat may be far greater than official numbers currently reveal.
Also Read: Gujarat Bakes Above 44°C as Super El Niño Threat Looms Over India’s Future Summers https://www.vibesofindia.com/gujarat-bakes-above-44c-as-super-el-nino-threat-looms-over-indias-future-summers/
