Extreme Heat & Rainfall Trends in India 2024

How Climate Change Has Exposed India to Extreme Heat and Rain

Recent research highlights a concerning trend in India’s climate dynamics. A groundbreaking study conducted by IPE Global and Esri India reveals that over 84% of Indian districts are now vulnerable to extreme heat waves. Furthermore, 70% of these districts are also experiencing increased frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events.

The comprehensive study, unveiled at the National Symposium titled “How Can India Address Climate Extremes,” sheds light on the alarming shifts in weather patterns over recent decades. The symposium was organized by IPE Global, Esri India, UNESCO, and Climate Trends, focusing on the urgent need for climate action.

Rising Frequency and Intensity of Extreme Heat

India has witnessed a dramatic increase in extreme heat wave days, with a 15-fold rise during the March-April-May (MAM) and June-July-August-September (JJAS) months over the past 30 years. Particularly alarming is the 19-fold increase in extreme heat wave days over the last decade alone.

Abinash Mohanty, Head of Climate Change and Sustainability Practice at IPE Global and author of the study, emphasized the gravity of the situation. “The escalation in extreme heat and rainfall events correlates with a 0.6°C temperature rise over the past century. The strengthening El Niño phenomenon is contributing to these erratic patterns,” Mohanty explained.

Impact of Erratic Rainfall

The study also reveals a disturbing trend: India’s monsoon seasons are increasingly characterized by extended summer-like conditions interspersed with erratic rainfall. This shift poses significant risks to agriculture, infrastructure, and public health. Notably, recent incidents such as the Kerala landslides, triggered by unpredictable rainfall, underscore the need for urgent climate adaptation measures.

Agendra Kumar, Managing Director of Esri India, stressed the importance of leveraging data-driven approaches to combat these climate challenges. “The rising frequency and severity of heatwaves and intense precipitation are severely impacting lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. A comprehensive, data-centric approach is essential for crafting effective policies and enhancing climate resilience,” Kumar noted.

Regional Hotspots and Vulnerable Areas

The study identifies several states as hotspots for both extreme heat stress and erratic rainfall. These include Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Manipur. Additionally, districts along India’s eastern and western coasts are experiencing increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns.

In summary, the findings from IPE Global and Esri India paint a sobering picture of India’s climate challenges. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and intense, immediate and informed action is crucial to mitigate the impacts and safeguard the nation’s future.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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