Home / Environment / India Swelters: Humid Heat Days Surge Dangerously
India Swelters: Humid Heat Days Surge Dangerously
6 Jul
Summary
- India saw dangerously humid heat days increase from 101 to 141 annually since the 1970s.
- Ocean warming is linked to increased moisture pushing inland, exacerbating heat.
- New strategies include green cover, cool roofs, and passive design for heat mitigation.
Since the 1970s, India has faced a significant increase in dangerously humid heat days, rising from 101 to 141 annually, according to a recent Climate Central study. Globally, these days have risen from 10 to 23. This rise is attributed to ocean warming, with moisture from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal being pushed inland, creating a humid environment that is intensified by urban heat island effects.
Persistent nighttime heat waves have affected 15 smart cities, while another 16 experienced compound heat day and night. Current heat action plans often overlook the diurnal dimension of heat risks. Experts suggest solutions like cool roofs, green cover, and natural ventilation to combat nighttime heat.
Passive design strategies using building materials and layouts are proposed to mitigate heat, reducing air conditioning use and waste heat. However, experts note that these strategies may be inadequate against rising humid heat, calling for affordable active cooling solutions and incentives.
Greening strategies must manage moisture and airflow in humid heat zones. Advanced frameworks, like Thane's 2024 Heat Action Plan, incorporate climate risk factors and socioeconomic data for ward-level planning. Cities like Bhubaneswar are developing climate-risk dashboards to map heat stress and aid strategic planning.
