Heatwaves

Intensifying heat wave threatens record-breaking temperatures across Europe

The heat wave is spreading north from mainland Europe, where it's plagued France for nearly a week

France curbs public alcohol consumption, outdoor sports amid scorching heat

France is putting emergency services and military forces on wildfire alert, restricting public alcohol consumption and cancelling some outdoor sports events to cope with a heat wave unfurling across parts of Europe. About a third of France is under the national weather service's heat red alert Sunday and temperatures are high nationwide, expected to reach 40 C on Sunday in some areas, in a country where air-conditioning isn't widespread. The forecast for Monday is even hotter. The Eiffel Tower and other Paris venues set up misting stations to cool crowds, among a raft of measures announced by national and local authorities to minimize risks. More than 200,000 people across Europe died from heat-related causes over the last four years, and most of the fatalities were preventable, the World Health Organisation's Europe office said this month. More above-average temperatures are expected this summer, which can cause heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke. WHO's Europe office

Heatwaves may be causing hidden health stress among working Indians: Study

An analysis of more than 22,000 health records found rising signs of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and kidney stress among healthy adults during peak summer months

Heatwaves, urbanisation drive record power demand, reshape energy planning

A record peak demand of 271 GW in May underscores the growing impact of heatwaves, urbanisation and electrification, while raising fresh questions about grid resilience and energy planning

The new environmentalism: Why sustainability must begin with inclusion

World Environment Day 2026 calls for a new environmentalism that links sustainable growth with inclusion, climate resilience and stronger governance

IMD forecasts widespread rainfall as monsoon advances across India

IMD forecasts widespread rainfall across several regions as the monsoon advances, while heatwave conditions continue to persist in parts of north and central India

Why rising night-time temperatures pose a growing risk to cities

Relentless night-time heat puts billions at risk in growing megacities

Beyond forecasting: Can AI help Indian cities fight heatwave better?

AI is moving beyond heatwave forecasts into urban planning, healthcare and power management, but experts warn gaps in data, governance and access still remain

Stay hydrated, take extra care during scorching heat: PM on 'Mann Ki Baat'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people to stay hydrated in view of soaring temperatures across the country. In his monthly radio broadcast Mann Ki Baat, he said people should take extra precautions when stepping out in the sun. "With temperatures soaring across much of the country, it is important to take extra care. Stay hydrated. If you need to step out in the sun, do so cautiously and take necessary precautions," he said. "Keep drinking water. Don't forget the guidelines issued by various government departments in this regard either," he said. Prime Minister Modi had on Wednesday last also urged citizens to take maximum precautions as the country is witnessing soaring temperatures, and said staying hydrated is key during such harsh weather. Modi also referred to the king of fruits, saying there is hardly a home where mangoes are not talked about in the summer season. He noted that every region has its own mango and its own aroma. "Hapus or alphonso of Maharashtra

Heatwave eases as rain cools North India, IMD issues yellow alert for Delhi

Rain, thunderstorms and hail are forecast across several states on Sunday, bringing respite from the intense summer heat

From heatwave alerts to action: Why India needs cooling governance now

India has expanded heat action plans and cooling pilots, but weak funding, uneven building-code enforcement and poor city data keep many responses in advisory mode

PM Modi has stressed whole-of-nation approach to tackle heatwave: Vaishnaw

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged all Union cabinet ministers to ensure that their respective ministries and departments take necessary steps to mitigate the impact of the prevailing heatwave conditions across the country. Addressing a media briefing after the cabinet meeting, Union Minister Ashvini Vaishnaw said the prime minister stressed the need for a "whole-of-nation" approach to deal with the extreme heat situation. Vaishnaw said the prime minister directed all ministries to take appropriate action to protect people from the heatwave, particularly departments such as health and water resources. "The prime minister said all ministries must take steps to protect people from the heatwave, especially ministries such as health and water resources, and consider what measures can be taken. He was clear that such major challenges should be addressed through a whole-of-nation approach, with the Centre, states and citizens working together," the minister said. Asked about

Urban heat islands: Why Indian cities are becoming unliveable after dark

Indian cities are warming faster at night, turning homes into heat traps and exposing gaps in housing, planning and cooling access as AC demand rises

How extreme heat is exposing gaps in India's crop insurance system

As extreme heat damages yields, quality and farm incomes without triggering formal crop failure, experts say India's insurance system is struggling to adapt to climate reality

Wet-bulb heat explained: Why humidity makes extreme summer heat deadlier

Wet-bulb heat reflects how difficult it becomes for the body to cool itself during humid weather, making prolonged summer exposure increasingly risky

Heatwave glossary: Urban heat island, wet-bulb, heat index, and more

From wet-bulb temperature to heat dome, here are some key heatwave terms everyone should understand during extreme summers

IMD warns of rising heatwave conditions as mercury in Delhi to touch 46°C

IMD has warned of rising temperatures and persistent heatwave conditions across north and central India, while several eastern and southern states are likely to receive rainfall and thunderstorms

Exceptionally early heat wave shatters records, causes deaths across Europe

The United Kingdom smashed a century-old temperature record for the second time in 24 hours on Tuesday as a spring heat wave scorches parts of Western Europe, triggering government warnings about risks to life. Several drownings were reported in Britain and France as people tried to cool down. A temperature of 35.1 degrees Celsius (95.2 degrees Fahrenheit) was recorded at London's Kew Gardens, Britain's Met Office weather service said, breaking the 34.8 C (94.6 F) record set a day earlier at Kew. The provisional readings smashed the long-standing record of 32.8 C (91.4 F) set in 1922 and matched in 1944. London also recorded a rare "tropical night", defined as one in which the temperature does not fall below 20 C (68 F). Records also fell in France, where temperatures reached 36 C (97 F) on Monday in the country's southwest and widely remained above 20 C at night. The national weather service, Meteo-France, said a "heat dome", with heat held in place by a high-pressure weather fron

Heat and mental health: Can rising temperatures trigger stress, aggression?

From sleep disruption to rising irritability, doctors say heat stress may quietly affect emotional health and worsen existing mental health conditions

How extreme summers are starting to weigh on India's economic growth

Longer and more intense heatwaves are affecting jobs, farm output, electricity demand and health costs, raising concerns that India may be underestimating their economic impact