An international study has warned that heat-linked deaths are likely to increase in Mumbai and eight other Indian cities due to more intense and prolonged heatwaves in the coming years. The report highlights the urgent need for long-term strategies to combat the rising threat of extreme heat.
This comes as Mumbai is set to experience a rise in humidity and partly cloudy skies today, March 19, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather is expected to turn slightly warmer throughout the day, with humidity levels increasing particularly in the afternoon and evening.
Cities at High Risk
Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Faridabad, Gwalior, Kota, Ludhiana, Meerut, and Surat, have been identified as nine cities with populations exceeding 1 million, where heat-related risks are expected to surge. These cities are predicted to see a significant rise in heat index values, which combine temperature and humidity, making conditions more perilous than in previous years.
The study was co-authored by scholars from Sustainable Futures Collaborative, King’s College London, Harvard University, Princeton University, and University of California, Berkeley.
Mumbai’s current struggles
Mumbai, with its population of 12.4 million, is already grappling with prolonged and intense heatwaves. The city experiences high temperatures in both summer and post-monsoon periods, exacerbated by increased humidity. This combination raises the heat index, limiting the body’s ability to cope with extreme heat.
While the Maharashtra government has implemented a State Heat Action Plan (HAP), more comprehensive and focused measures are needed to enhance heat resilience in the city. Mumbai’s Climate Action Plan also supports these efforts.
In cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Surat, active engagement from civil society organisations has played a key role in driving climate action. The report suggests that further involvement of these organisations could address gaps in state capacity, ensuring more effective and sustained responses to heat risks.
