Why India Should Brace for More Heatwave Spells in the Coming Months

📌 Summary:

• India experiencing its first severe heatwave spell of the 2026 season (late April); Banda, Uttar Pradesh recorded 47.6°C — highest in the country on Monday; 45.6°C on Tuesday
• IMD defines a heatwave as: maximum temperature ≥40°C in plains (≥30°C in hills) AND at least 4.5°C above normal; a "severe" heatwave is 6.5°C above normal
• Current spell likely to dissipate from Wednesday, but multiple heatwave spells expected through the 2026 season
• Temperatures likely to remain above normal not just in summer but extending into monsoon season and beyond — linked to El Niño and climate change
• Below-normal rainfall in second half of monsoon season will reduce natural cooling effect, prolonging heat stress
• Health toll: hundreds die annually from heat stroke; thousands fall ill — numbers widely considered under-estimates as not all cases are reported
• Critical legal gap: Heatwave is NOT a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 — states cannot use State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF) for heat relief
• 16th Finance Commission recommended including heatwaves AND lightning as notified disasters — a long-pending state demand
• Practical implication: without notified disaster status, states cannot fund heat action plans from SDRF; victims cannot receive structured relief
• UPSC angle: connects to Disaster Management Act, NDMA guidelines, SDRF-NDRF, climate change adaptation policy