Heatwaves to last longer and affect more areas: Scientists

Climate models show that the area and duration of heat waves in India would increase, said Krishna Achuta Rao, Head, Centre for Atmospheric Sciences at Delhi’s Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Heat waves in India are expected to last longer and affect larger regions, scientists have warned, as climate change continues to intensify extreme weather events.

Climate models show that the area and duration of heat waves in India would increase, said Krishna Achuta Rao, Head, Centre for Atmospheric Sciences at Delhi’s Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).

Speaking at the India Heat Summit 2025, organised by research group Climate Trends, Rao said “this means the northern plains and several states across the southern peninsula will experience heatwaves that last longer and cover larger areas”.

“What might have been a week-long event could turn into a month-and-a-half or two-month-long event. Our future looks very stark,” he added.