Study Highlights Rising Deaths from Extreme Temperatures in India Over 19 Years

A comprehensive 19-year study underscores the alarming trend of increasing fatalities caused by exposure to both heat waves and severe cold in India. Researchers reveal that over this period, approximately 20,000 individuals succumbed to heatstroke, while around 15,000 deaths were linked to cold exposure, signaling a significant public health concern. The findings, published in the journal Temperature, highlight that heat-related deaths are more prevalent among working-age men, particularly those engaged in outdoor jobs such as construction, auto rickshaw driving, and gig work. Despite the country experiencing record-high summer temperatures, such as the 52.9°C (126.1°F) recorded in Delhi in 2024, vulnerable populations remain at risk due to inadequate infrastructure and social support systems.

The study emphasizes the geographic disparities in mortality rates. States like Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab are identified as hotspots for heat-related deaths, while cold exposure mortality is notably high in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Bihar. Interestingly, men in India show higher susceptibility to heat and cold-related deaths compared to women, contrary to some global trends, largely due to outdoor work exposure.

Experts warn that climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, making it urgent for policymakers to implement targeted interventions. These include expanding shade structures, improving early warning systems, increasing night shelters, and providing social safety nets for outdoor and low-income workers. The study advocates for localized, data-driven strategies at the state and district levels to better prepare vulnerable communities and reduce preventable deaths.

While data limitations exist, the research underscores the critical need for ongoing monitoring and evidence-based action. Strengthening infrastructural resilience and ensuring social protections are vital steps toward mitigating the health impacts of rising temperatures in India, a nation particularly susceptible to climate-related extremes.