This ongoing series of articles explores different aspects of the growing threat of extreme heat in Maharashtra, drawing from analysis of weather data, on ground surveys, interviews and discussions with individuals vulnerable to extreme heat. It examines how rising temperatures and humidity are intensifying heat stress, even in traditionally moderate regions, and the serious health risks this poses. The articles highlight the urgent need for better data and knowledge about community responses, which can inform policy action. As summers grow hotter, understanding and adapting to these shifts is critical for building resilience. Articles in the series have subsequently appeared in several print and online media.
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This article examines the escalating heat stress in Maharashtra, using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) to assess heat stress, revealing that both daytime and nighttime UTCI in 2024 surpassed historical averages, with some areas experiencing extreme conditions for up to 15 consecutive days. The article also emphasizes the need for a locally validated heat index and real-time weather data to inform effective adaptation strategies, and calls for improved data accessibility to support timely interventions. It also briefly discusses the challenges of using various data sources and parameters for analyzing the weather patterns. |
Beyond Strokes: How dangerous is extreme heat? This article delves into the undercounting of health impacts caused by extreme heat in India. While official reports often cite a limited number of heat-related illnesses and heat stroke deaths, studies suggest that the actual impact is significantly higher, with thousands of deaths potentially linked to heat exposure. The undercounting of heat-related impacts has several implications. The article elaborates on the wide-ranging health impacts of extreme heat, the challenges in accurately tracking these effects, and how these gaps affect the policy responses. A version of this article subsequently appeared in Maharashtra Times, in print and online on 21 May 2025. Click here to download the same. |
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Summer of 2025 in Maharashtra 2024 was the hottest year since temperature records have been maintained, with summer temperatures reaching extreme levels across Maharashtra, particularly so, in the night. How about the summer of 2025? This interactive dashboard presents analysis of the temperature data from January to April 2025 for Maharashtra, which also shows that the summer arrived much earlier this year, and day and night temperatures remained warmer than normal across the state. |
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Please contact Aditya Chunekar (
Suggested Citation: Prayas (2025, March), ‘No one likes it hot’, a series of articles exploring different aspects of the growing threat of extreme heat.
Media articles and coverage
Versions of articles in this series have appeared in several digital and print media.
- उन्हाचे चटके मोजण्यासाठी हवेत ‘हीट इंडेक्स’; Lokmat Pune, 11 March 2025
- Pune-based Prayas Energy Group: Analysis of summer weather indicates rising heat levels across Konkan, Western Maharashtra; Anuradha Mascarenhas, Indian Express, 4 April 2025
- अतिउष्णतेचे बळी नक्की किती?; Maharashtra Times Mumbai, 21 May 2025
- Undercounted and overlooked: The hidden toll of heat waves on health; The Indian Express, 18 June 2025