Page 3 - Heatwave

Super El Niño 2026 threat grows: Why India could face major risks

A developing Super El Niño risks weakening India's monsoon, hurting farm output, raising food prices and intensifying heatwaves, posing risks to the economy at large

High power costs put cooling out of reach in India's parched heart

Rising electricity costs is worsening heat stress for low-income households

India's peak power demand hits record 260.45 GW as temperatures rise

India's peak power demand touched a record 260.45 GW amid rising temperatures, with the government saying demand was met without any shortfall

India's peak power demand hits all-time high of over 257 GW on May 18

India's peak power demand hit an all-time high of 257.37 GW on Monday, primarily driven by increased usage of cooling devices such as air conditioners and desert coolers amid intensifying heat wave conditions, according to power ministry data. The peak power demand on Monday eclipsed the previous all-time high of 256.11 GW on April 25, 2026, at 1538 hrs. According to the power ministry data, peak power demand set a new high of 257.37 GW at 1542 hrs on Monday, and it was fully met. The Power Ministry projects that India's peak power demand will reach 270 GW this summer. Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has projected heatwave conditions this week in large parts of northwest and central India, as the mercury inched towards the 45-degree mark in many places on Monday. Isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi are expected to witness heat wave conditions between Monday and May 24, while heat wave to severe heat wave conditions are set to hit parts of

IMD warns of severe heatwave as temperatures continue to rise across India

IMD has forecast an intensifying heatwave across north India till May 21, with severe conditions likely in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh amid rising temperatures

Heatwave to intensify in north India; rain likely in south, Northeast

Large swathes of northwest and central India are bracing for more heat as the IMD predicts heatwave and warm night conditions, while northeastern and southern parts of the country may witness rainfall

India's AC boom could trip the power grid, but policy is the real problem

India's cooling demand is surging with rising heat and incomes, but outdated rules are slowing adoption of cheaper, cleaner refrigerants that could ease pressure on the power grid

India's power grid race: Can supply keep pace with surging demand?

India's power grid handled record demand this summer, but rising heat, renewable growth and industrial expansion are testing whether its infrastructure can keep pace

India's heatwave exposes fragile power grid as energy crunch deepens

Extreme heat and West Asia war disruptions strain India's energy supplies, driving power demand to record highs, triggering blackouts and worsening shortages of crude, LNG and cooking gas

Centre sets eyes on heatwave management as higher temperatures grip India

Labour Ministry calls for urgent heatwave protection measures for workers

Peak power demand reaches record 256 GW for second time in 3 days

The country's peak power demand soared to 255.85 GW on Monday, reaching the record level for the second time within three days, driven by intense heatwave conditions that pushed usage of cooling appliances like air-conditioners and desert coolers. The surge in power demand, amid severe heatwave conditions across the north, central and western India, resulted in a significant rise in energy consumption, as users relied on air-conditioners and cooling devices to beat the heat. According to the power ministry data, peak power demand was recorded at 255.85 GW (nearly 256GW) on Monday, which was a tad below the highest-ever peak demand recorded at 256.11 GW on Saturday. Peak power demand started surging in the second half of this month and touched 252.07 GW on April 24. The power ministry on Tuesday said, "India has successfully met its all-time highest peak electricity demand of 256.1 GW on 25th April 2026 at 15:38 hrs without any shortage, while simultaneously maintaining electricity

Advance action needed to protect vulnerable groups from heatwaves: NHRC

Pointing to the disproportionate impact of rise in heatwave frequency and intensity on the marginalised sections, the NHRC on Tuesday asked 21 states and Delhi to take advance action to protect the vulnerable population. The elderly, children, infants and newborns are especially susceptible to the health impacts of extreme heat. Additionally, heatwaves can lead to the loss of livelihoods and an increased risk of fire accidents, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said in a statement. Mercury levels have soared in various states in the country over the past few days and in Delhi, temperature readings have breached the 40 degrees Celsius mark at many places. In this context, the NHRC asked 21 states and Delhi to take advance action and implement relief measures to protect the vulnerable population during heatwaves. The states are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, .

Delhi's peak power demand crosses 7,000 MW mark for the first time in April

Delhi's peak power demand crosses 7,000 MW in April for the first time as heatwave intensifies; discoms ramp up supply with renewables and short-term sourcing

Gig workers' body seeks binding heatwave safeguards from Labour Ministry

IFAT urges binding protections including paid cooling breaks, water access, and emergency support for gig workers as extreme heat intensifies across India

Delhi records hottest day of 2026 as IMD warns of heatwave across India

Delhi recorded its highest temperature of the season at 42.8 degrees Celsius as IMD warns of continued heatwave conditions across north and central India

Hot & humid days ahead: IMD warns of heatwave across India till Apr 26

According to the IMD bulletin, heatwave conditions are very likely in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh till April 26

Extreme heat threatens livelihoods, global food systems, warns UN

Recent climate datasets show global warming is accelerating, with 2025 ranking among the three hottest years on record, triggering more frequent and severe weather extremes

Extreme heat: Kerala Disaster Management Authority issues public advisory

In view of rising temperatures across Kerala, the KSDMA has issued a comprehensive set of precautionary guidelines for the public to prevent heat-related illnesses. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), in a post on its social media handle, warned that extreme heat could lead to serious health conditions such as sunstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration, urging people to take adequate safety measures. According to the advisory, the public should avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm. People have been advised to stay hydrated by drinking sufficient quantities of clean water even if they do not feel thirsty, while avoiding beverages like alcohol, coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks that may cause dehydration during the daytime. Wearing loose, light-coloured cotton clothing and using protective gear such as umbrellas, hats, and footwear while stepping outdoors have also been recommended. The KSDMA further suggested increasing the intake

Policy response to heatwaves remains cool even as nationwide instances grow

An early March heat spike has raised concerns of a prolonged summer as El Niño risks grow. While preparedness has improved, gaps in planning, funding, and implementation persist

Heatwave to boost power demand: Analysts pick top power stocks to invest in

Heatwave alert: Rising temperatures could drive a surge in power demand. Analysts see opportunities in select power stocks like NTPC, Tata Power, JSW Energy, and Adani Power.