2025 Heatwave in India and Pakistan: A Crisis of Climate and Infrastructure

Since early April 2025, an intense heatwave has gripped northern India and Pakistan, with temperatures soaring well above seasonal averages. In Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, the mercury reached 47.3°C (117°F) on June 9, while major cities like New Delhi and Lucknow have consistently recorded temperatures exceeding 45°C (113°F). The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave warnings for multiple northern states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and the national capital region.

This prolonged heatwave has disrupted daily life, strained infrastructure, and raised significant health concerns across the region. The extreme temperatures have led to frequent electricity outages as cooling demands spike, placing additional pressure on power grids. Vulnerable populations—such as the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those in impoverished communities—are particularly at risk. Officials anticipate that high temperatures will persist until the arrival of monsoon rains, expected in a few weeks, escalating concerns over a potential public health emergency.

Background

Heatwaves are not uncommon in the Indian subcontinent, but the current event's early onset and prolonged duration are particularly alarming. In 2015, a heatwave resulted in over 2,500 deaths in India, and the 2019 India–Pakistan heatwave saw temperatures reaching up to 50°C (122°F). However, the current heatwave's intensity and duration have surpassed previous records, underscoring the growing impact of climate change in the region.

Health Risks

The extreme heat poses significant health risks, including heatstroke and dehydration. In 2024, a similar heatwave resulted in over 100 deaths and 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases. The high humidity is compounding the hazardous conditions, making the heat index and real-feel temperatures even more unbearable.

Infrastructure Strain

The surge in cooling demands has led to frequent electricity outages, further exacerbating the situation. Health services are overwhelmed, struggling to cope with the influx of heat-related illnesses. In Uttar Pradesh, the country's most populous state, a punishing heatwave has made people's lives difficult as power grids struggle to keep pace with the soaring electricity demand. The state recorded its highest-ever electricity demand of 30,161 megawatts late Sunday as millions of homes and businesses ran cooling systems to beat the heat.

Vulnerable Populations

The elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those in impoverished communities are especially at risk. Women, particularly those in the informal workforce, face heightened vulnerabilities, including health issues and reduced income due to extreme temperatures. The high humidity is compounding the hazardous conditions, making the heat index and real-feel temperatures even more unbearable.

Agricultural Disruptions

The heatwave threatens crop yields, posing risks to food security and economic stability in the region. India, the world's second-largest wheat producer, is counting on a bumper harvest in 2025 to avoid costly imports, after three consecutive years of poor crop yields since 2022. Higher temperatures could reduce yields for the fourth straight year, trimming overall production.

Government and Organizational Responses

The IMD has issued heatwave warnings for multiple northern states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and the national capital region. The government has also retained its forecast of above-average monsoon rains, which could provide relief. In Pakistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecasted temperature anomalies and is advising residents on coping mechanisms.

Conclusion

The 2025 India–Pakistan heatwave underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the challenges posed by extreme heat events. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, proactive measures are essential to protect vulnerable populations, maintain infrastructure resilience, and ensure economic stability.