New Delhi, June 18 -- The onset of summer occurred unexpectedly early in 2025. Alerts for heatwaves were being circulated by the India Meteorological Department by the end of March. The number of heatwave days in several Indian cities are expected to be much higher in 2025. The causes are significantly anthropogenic and well-known to all: lack of green spaces, disappearing water bodies, increasing pollution, surge in greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and air conditioners, high density of informal settlements, and increased concrete surfaces causing the urban heat island (UHI) effect.

Days of extreme temperatures are most dreaded by families struggling to keep their homes cool. Low-income households are already battling heatwaves ear...