A new study has shown that about 76% of India’s population is now living in districts marked as “high” or “very high” heat risk areas.

The report released by the Delhi -based Think Tank Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), highlights the increasing threat due to excessive heat and humidity across the country.

The study, which assessed 734 districts using 40 -year climate data (1982–2022), found that 417 districts, which are more than half of India, are lower than the risk of high heat.

These include major states and center areas like Delhi, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Nights are getting hot compared to nights

While day temperature continues to rise, the report also found that very hot nights, when the minimum temperature is more than 95th percent of the historical criteria, is growing faster than in very hot days.

It has serious implications for its health.

High night temperature can be more dangerous because the body does not get a chance to cool after the contact of day heat.

Citing cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Bhopal, Jaipur, Delhi, and Chennai, “very hot nights are most noticeable in a large population districts, where the summer nights have become quite hot in the last decade.

Impact of heat on health

Doctors have warned that there is a visible on people’s health when exposed to high heat and humidity for a long time.

“We are watching a spike in frequent headaches, dizziness, fatigue, muscle cramps, dehydration and poor sleep quality cases,” Dr. Arunesh Kumar, Senior Advisor, Respiratory Medicine, Paras Health, Gurugram said.

People with chronic conditions such as asthma are particularly weak, as heavy, moist -filled air can spoil respiratory discomfort.

High humidity also interferes with the body’s natural cooling system by limiting the evaporation of sweat, leading to heat and increases the risk of heat or even heat.

CEEW studies further found that summer humidity in the northern parts of the country has climbed from 30–40% to 40–50% in the last decade, causing warm and heat stress to spoil the stress, especially for external workers in the Indo-Gongic field.

Record-breaking temperature and early heatwaves

The year 2024 was the hottest on India and the world, and 2025 is not far behind.

The country experienced its first heatwave this year, which was more than a month earlier in February 27-28 compared to the previous year.

According to the World Health Organization, over 1.66 lakh people died globally due to heatwave between 1998 and 2017.

In India alone, in 2023, more than 48,000 heatstroke cases and 159 deaths were reported, although experts believe that the actual number is likely to be higher.

Heatstroke has a long -term effect

Heatstroke is often seen through a narrow lens: a medical emergency that requires quick hydration and cooling.

Dr. According to Vikram Vora, Medical Director, International SO, when the fever breaks or the pulse becomes stable, this dangerous situation does not end.

Dr. Vora told indianoday.in, “It leaves both mentally and physically, who can quietly compromise a person’s ability to work, focus and live well.”

Dr. Vora said that many remaining people are suffering from fatigue, chronic dehydration, muscle cramps and even cognitive issues such as memory loss or difficulty focusing.

It is the major implications for workers in both outdoor and indoor settings.

“Over time, psychological stress of working in tireless heat, or trauma of being an experienced hetstroke, can lead to trauma, chronic anxiety, irritability and depression. Workers report the feelings of fear before each innings, knowing what is in the store,” he said.

He recommended that employers invest in shaded brake zones, water stations and toilets, and involve heat-desire workers in mental health and well-being.

How to be protected from heatstroke

As the temperature rises, the risk of heatstroke also increases.

Dr, Principal Director of Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital. RS Mishra underlined major strategies to prevent heat related diseases:

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• Stay hydrated with water and electrolyte-rich drinks.
• Wear light, breathing clothes and use items such as hats and sunglasses.
• Avoid external activity during peak sun hours (10 pm).
• Take a constant break when working outside, and stay in the shade.
• Learn the symptoms of hetstroke, such as dizziness, cramps and confusion, and if they take immediate help.
• Use cooling methods such as fans, cold shower, or wet fabrics on pulse points.
• Eat light, water -rich foods and monitor risk groups like elderly and children.

As India enhances heat stress, both individuals and policy makers will need to take immediate action to adapt and save public health.