As the summer months approach, India is grappling with significant climate-related issues. The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) recently convened a workshop featuring experts focusing on the interconnected challenges of heat, water, and energy. Their findings, derived from three distinct studies, reveal alarming trends in the country’s climate situation. One of the most pressing concerns highlighted is the rising temperature at night. A district-level heat risk assessment released by CEEW in May 2025 indicates that nights are warming faster than days across India. Approximately 70 percent of districts recorded an increase of over five very warm nights each summer during the past decade, contrasting sharply with just 28 percent of districts experiencing a rise in daytime heat.

The Health Risks of High Temperatures

Very warm nights are defined as those where temperatures remain above historically normal levels for 95 percent of the time. Cooler nights are essential for the human body to recuperate from heat exposure. The diminishing availability of cooler nighttime temperatures could exacerbate health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, outdoor laborers, children, and people with existing health issues like diabetes and hypertension.

Increasing Humidity Amplifies Heat Dangers

In addition to rising nighttime temperatures, the same study revealed a concerning increase in humidity across the Indo-Gangetic Plain, with levels rising by up to 10 percent over the past decade. Cities traditionally known for their dry climates, including Delhi, Jaipur, and Kanpur, now report humidity levels ranging from 40 to 50 percent. Elevated humidity can result in the perceived temperature being 3 to 5 degrees Celsius higher than actual measurements. This exacerbates the dangers associated with heat, as high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating, making even moderately high temperatures hazardous.

Pressure on India’s Power Grid

The consequences of rising temperatures extend beyond health implications; they also threaten the stability of India’s power infrastructure. A CEEW study conducted in March 2025 indicated that to meet future electricity demand, India will require an additional 600 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. The country already experienced record peak demand, hitting 238 GW in February 2025, with expectations that summer demand will surpass 260 GW.

Water Management Challenges Persist

The challenges associated with rising temperatures and humidity are compounded by issues related to water management. A CEEW study from November 2025 reported that India currently treats only 28 percent of its wastewater, with over 80 percent of cities lacking proper infrastructure for reusing treated water. The report suggests that enhancing water reuse initiatives could represent a significant economic opportunity, potentially yielding USD 35 billion by 2047 and generating over 100,000 new jobs. Surat serves as a positive example, as it effectively provides treated water to industries and earned more than Rs 230 crore in revenue between 2014 and 2021.

Infrastructure Under Pressure

While the heat season in India has not yet reached its peak, data indicates that the pressure on the country’s infrastructure has already begun to mount, prompting urgent discussions among experts and policymakers. As these interconnected challenges grow more pronounced, comprehensive strategies will be essential for mitigating the impacts of climate change on public health, energy supply, and water security.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share