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No one likes it hot

edit Aditya Chunekar | Ritu Parchure | Shweta Kulkarni | Abhiram Sahasrabudhe | Vijaya Jori
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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.

Parametric Insurance for Extreme Heat: Setting right expectations
Published in April 2026

 

Extreme heat is emerging as one of the major climate risks in India. Outdoor and informal workers are especially vulnerable. In this context, Parametric Insurance (PI) is increasingly being discussed as a potential heat adaptation intervention by offering a digital solution of quick, small payouts to insured individuals once temperatures cross a certain threshold. While parametric insurance offers certain advantages, it also has some conceptual limitations and operational challenges. In this article, we discuss both the strengths and limitations of parametric insurance highlighting the need to set realistic expectations about its role and impact.

Extreme heat and low Income households in Pune city
Published in March 2026

 

This article examines indoor heat exposure and health impacts in low-income households based on a survey of 500 households across 10 low-income settlements in Pune in Summer 2025. Indoor temperatures exceed ambient levels, compounded by high humidity, resulting in widespread discomfort during day and night despite use of fans and coolers. Awareness of heat's serious health consequences remains low. A majority of households report more than three heat-related illness symptoms, and a large proportion seek treatment at private facilities.

Summer of 2025 in Maharashtra
Published in May 2025


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.

Beyond Strokes: How dangerous is extreme heat?
Published in April 2025


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.

No one likes it hot (and humid)
Published in March 2025


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.

Please contact Aditya Chunekar (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for questions or comments.

Suggested Citation: Prayas, ‘No one likes it hot’, an ongoing 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.