India is experiencing rising temperatures beyond traditional hotspots. Cities like Bengaluru and Shimla are facing record heat due to climate change and urban growth. This slow-moving public health emergency demands urgent action to protect vulnerable groups and strengthen infrastructure.

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• March 2025 was among India’s hottest months in over a century, with parts of South India crossing 40°C
• WMO predicts 2025 could be one of the warmest years due to climate change and El Niño
• Urban growth and loss of green cover worsen heat in cities like Bengaluru and Shimla
• Heat affects school attendance and learning, risking closures in coming months
• Vulnerable groups with chronic diseases face higher risks of heat-related illness and death
• Different vulnerable groups (children, elderly, outdoor workers) have unique needs and require tailored responses
• Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan (HAP) is a model with early warnings, healthcare training, and water supply
• Other cities like Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, and Surat are adopting similar heat action strategies
• Local solutions include cool roofs, white-painted rooftops, cooling stations, and adjusted work hours
• Hospitals must prepare heatstroke wards, ensure uninterrupted power, and relocate sensitive units to cooler areas