Severe Heat Wave Alert 2025 - Causes, Risks, Impact & Precautions

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  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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There are real risks, like power outages and heat-related illnesses. Feeling scared? Don't worry! With some basic knowledge and precautions, you can protect yourself and your loved ones. In this blog, you'll find the real health risks, widespread impact, and life-saving precautions for this scorching summer.

What is a Severe Heat Wave?

Scientifically, heat waves in summer are a stretch of extremely hot and uncomfortable weather, typically with high humidity. In simple words, heat waves occur when the temperature rises abnormally, resulting in excessive heat and moisture. Officials reported the highest temperature so far of around 50°C in 2024. However, in 2025, the temperature is ready to exceed the previous year’s peak.

Based on the IMD’s prediction, more frequent heat waves will likely occur. The 2025 heat waves are more severe, linger longer, and affect previously unaffected areas. The intense heat and winds cause various health problems and indirectly impact the country's economy.

Rising Temperatures, Rising Threats - Let’s Uncover the Causes

All things happen for a reason, so do these heat waves. India experiences heat waves every year. But over the last few years, the situation has deteriorated. The intensity, duration, and frequency of heat waves in India have increased significantly in recent years. Do you also want to know the reasons? Here you go: If so, let’s discuss:

Global Warming

Global Warming is one of the most alarming reasons for severe heatwave alerts. Due to the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), the Earth traps heat in the atmosphere. These gases are released into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. Adding to the list, Not only this, but cutting down trees and growing industries are also the causes of heat waves in India.

El Nino Effect

Do you know what the El Niño Effect is? It is also one of the phenomena that is contributing to the scorching summers. When the Pacific Ocean heats up, it disturbs the weather cycle and atmospheric circulation, adding to the heat waves.

Changes in Wind Patterns

The emission of greenhouse gases and other factors leads to changes in wind patterns. Changes in wind patterns can move hot air from one place to another, making heat waves more intense in places that are not usually subject to such high temperatures.

Delayed Monsoon

Due to all the heinous activities on the environment, the monsoon will be delayed. A delayed monsoon or early departure causes protracted summers and dry periods, particularly in northern and central India. Heat waves will linger longer if the monsoon is delayed. There will be a huge risk for the agricultural sector, which is likely to face huge losses due to drought in several areas across the country. At high temperatures, crops will be damaged.

Loss of Green Cover

Trees are the soul of the environment. But humans are cutting them down just for their own benefit. Isn’t it terrifying? Trees are a vital source for cooling the environment. The green cover provides shade and releases oxygen for human beings. But no one thinks that if there are no trees, no life will exist, so how will people survive? Cutting down trees immensely will lead to a shortage of rainfall, an imbalance in the ecosystem, and an increase in heat waves. Undoubtedly, it is one of the biggest causes of heat waves in India.

Human Activities

Indirectly, humans are responsible for ruining the environment. Cutting down trees, releasing hazardous gases, and burning fossil fuels cause the danger level of heat waves in India. Hence, there is an urgent need to stop all these activities and start planting trees to save the environment.

Regions Under Radar for Heatwaves

India is experiencing one of its most severe summers in 2025. In light of this, some specific areas are receiving a lot of attention. The IMD (India Meteorological Department) has issued a heat wave warning today in different parts of India. Based on natural factors and human activities, the atmosphere changes day by day, resulting in hotter days. Here’s the data of recent alerts and forecasts from the IMD:

Based on the data, the temperature is soaring and India will encounter danger levels of heat wave temperature in India. The regions defined by IMD are not just cities or districts, they represent millions of lives at risk. Hence, proper measures should be taken for public health and welfare. The government should also implement some heat action plans in India to reduce the health impacts. People should also take precautions at home, such as staying in cool places, keeping themselves hydrated, and consulting with a doctor if needed.

>> Also Read: Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Who is at the Highest Risk?

The dog days of summer are not kind to anyone. But some people are more vulnerable to the evil effects of blazing winds, including:

Infants & Young Children

Extremely hot winds are dangerous for newborns and young kids. Due to their inability to regulate their body temperature, children depend on adults to shield them from the heat. They might suffer from dehydration, heat stroke, and sunburn. Hence, it is important to keep them in shade or cool places.

Elderly Age People

Senior citizens or adults who are older than 65 are prone to summer illnesses. Blazing winds affect them the most because, due to their growing age, they cannot regulate their body temperature. As a result, they face complications in ongoing age-related ailments and heat exhaustion.

Pregnant Women

Expecting mothers must take great care in summers because pregnancy increases the body temperature. They will feel dehydrated and fatigued. In order to protect themselves and their baby, they must consume plenty of fluids to fulfill the hydration needs.

Athletes & Sportsperson

Heat exhaustion and dehydration are quite common for athletes or sportspeople in summer. Due to their engagement in several sports or physical activities, they fail to adjust their body temperature. Hence, it is important to drink proper fluids before and after physical activities.

People with Chronic Ailments

Individuals suffering from heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, or other chronic diseases must take care of themselves in summer. This category of people is more prone to the effects of heat waves on the environment. They must stay in cool places and consume water frequently.

Outdoor Workers

Farmers, labourers, delivery agents, and many others work in direct sunlight to meet their livelihood needs. Working under the sun for long periods can lead to heat strokes, sunburn, dehydration, fatigue, and other risks. To combat all these challenges, they must wear light and comfortable clothes, keep themselves hydrated, and rest under the shade of trees.

People with Obesity

People who are obese or overweight find it difficult to survive in the summer. Excess body fat releases excess sweat, resulting in body odour and severe rashes. Hence, it is strongly recommended by doctors that obese people must consume liquids, eat lighter meals, and avoid direct sunlight.

Low-Income Communities

It is more challenging to deal with the danger level of heat waves temperature in India for those who are homeless or have less money. It has become difficult for them to purchase equipment like air conditioners and coolers. As a result, they become feeble from these difficulties, and summers become fatal for them.

These are some of the groups that should take proper precautions in blistering summers. However, anyone can suffer from excessive heat, so it is always important to be on the safe side.

The Real Health Risks: What Makes Heat Waves Deadly?

Once the heat wave temperature in India increases, everyone becomes vulnerable to multiple sicknesses. Hot summer days bring multiple health issues apart from the skin problems.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is an illness that most commonly occurs in summer due to extreme physical effort. It usually happens when your body can no longer regulate its temperature. You will encounter heavy sweating, dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea, and fatigue. An individual should treat heat exhaustion properly and on time to avoid life-threatening ailments like a heart attack.

What to do: In order to treat heat exhaustion, people should keep themselves hydrated and in cold places. Additionally, they should take proper rest to avoid exertion.

Dehydration

One of the most common health problems in summer is dehydration. It occurs when your body loses or uses more fluid than it takes in, leaving it without enough water and other fluids to do its regular tasks. The symptoms of dehydration include dark yellow urine, dry mouth and throat, infrequent urination, dizziness, headache, and fatigue.

What to do: You can avoid dehydration by consuming enough liquids like water, juices, and other beverages. One of the best drinks to consume in summer is ORS. However, one should not consume alcoholic beverages and caffeine when dehydrated.

Sunstroke

When your body temperature rises above 40°C or 104°F in summer, you are suffering from heat stroke. Other notable symptoms include red skin, rapid breathing and pulse, unconsciousness, and feeling disoriented. Sunstroke does not define its name. It can lead to severe brain, heart, muscle, and kidney problems. Hence, it should be treated timely.

What to do: Once diagnosed, you should firstly contact the doctor. Meanwhile, cool yourself using ice packs and cold water and rest in a shaded area.

Skin Problems

Summer means skin problems. Due to intense sweating and direct contact with sunlight, people encounter major skin problems, including sunburn, fungal infections, acne, rashes, and many more.

What to do: When the temperature in India rises during a heat wave, people should wear SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear comfortable clothes, and stay hydrated.

Respiratory Problems

During a severe heatwave alert, the air quality also deteriorated. Due to this, people find it difficult to breathe and experience allergies. Not only this, but heatwaves also aggravate pre-existing diseases like Asthma, Bronchitis, and other lung problems.

What to do: To combat these challenges, people should cover their faces with masks, stop going outside when not needed, and take proper medications.

Eye Irritation & Headaches

Direct contact with the sunlight can cause eye irritation and a headache. People should not roam outside when a heat wave warning is in effect in India in 2025.

What to do: To avoid these illnesses, people should go outside only if needed, wear sunglasses and caps, and stay hydrated.

Worsening of Chronic Ailments

Sometimes, the hot blazing wind in summers will put extra pressure on your heart and other major organs. Additionally, it disrupts the beneficial effects of medications. So, it is beneficial to treat them on time.

What to do: In order to maintain your health, you should see your doctor for routine checkups and summer time condition management. You can avail of one free health checkup in a year if you own a Care Health Insurance Policy. Hence, it is very beneficial to purchase health insurance and not to wait for the other shoe to drop.

Precautions that Could Save Lives

It is rightly said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The effects of heat waves on the environment will give birth to a plethora of health problems, which can be deadly too. However, most heat-related illnesses are preventable with the right precautions. A majority of people ask how to prevent heat waves. Here’s what individuals, families, and communities can do to stay safe in the scorching heat:

Keep Yourself Hydrated

One of the most vital and easy ways to combat the severe heatwave alert is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Whether you’re thirsty or not, consuming fluids like water, lemon water, ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution), juices, and many more is advisable. However, it is strictly prohibited to consume alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks in summer because it increases the body temperature.

Dress Comfortably

Lightweight, loose, comfortable, and light-coloured clothes are your best friend during severe heat waves. Additionally, when going out, carry an umbrella, wear hats or caps, and sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Eat Light & Healthy Food

In the summer, people should eat fresh or seasonal fruits, salads, curd, and water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon, and more. They should always avoid oily, spicy, and heavy meals in summer because they are difficult to digest and increase body temperature.

Keep Your Space Cool

Apart from food, people should keep their space cool by using fans, coolers, and air conditioners. Do not use electric appliances when not needed because they generate additional heat. Additionally, people should use curtains, blinds, and sun-protection sheets to avoid direct sunlight. All these measures will help people stay cool and healthy.

Restrict Excess Physical Activities

In summer, people should avoid hardcore physical activities like exercise, outdoor games, gymnastics, and other things during the hottest time of the day. Perform outdoor and physical activities in the morning or evening. If necessary, try to carry out the activities under shaded areas and keep yourself hydrated.

Keep Emergency Contacts Handy

Everything is out of the blue. Hence, it is important to have first-aid kits at home. Additionally, in case of dehydration or dizziness, people should carry ORS sachets with them. Not only this, but hospitals, ambulances, and other necessary contacts should hit the top list on your mobile.

Recognise the Signs Timely

Be aware of heat stress and other unusual symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Stay hydrated, apply cold water to your face and skin, and stay in shady areas. Do not ignore all these factors; try to reach out to the nearest emergency.

Avoid Direct Sun Exposure

In the dog days of summer, people should limit their exposure to sunlight. They should not roam outside between 12 PM and 4 PM, when the sun's rays are intense. If it is necessary to go outside, apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn.

Due to the effects of heat waves on the environment, summers are horrifying to people. However, by implementing these precautions into your summer life, you can reduce the chances of a summer stroke or summer-related illness. So, keep yourself aware to survive the summer safely.

Don’t Let the Heat Win!

To wrap up, the severe heatwave alert is not just a weather update. It’s a serious call to action. Due to global warming, deforestation, changes in wind patterns, and heinous human activities, the heat wave temperatures in India are increasing day by day. This blog explains the causes of the heat waves, their impact, who is most affected, the risks involved, and precautions. Keeping yourself hydrated, staying in cool places, eating healthy meals, and taking other precautions will help you beat the heat. So, take the heat wave warning today seriously because your health is non-negotiable!

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice … Show more (disease & insurance).