Warming Trend in India
India’s Rising Heat Record: A multi-institutional climate study finds that India’s average temperature rose by nearly 0.9 °C between 2015 and 2024. The number of warm days increased by 5–10 days per decade in many regions. These changes reflect the accelerating warming trend affecting both plains and mountainous zones.
Static GK fact: India is the 7th largest country by area, making its climate variability highly region-diverse.
Regional Patterns of Climate Stress
The study shows the hottest day of the year has warmed by 1.5–2 °C in western and northeast India since the 1950s. Mountainous regions such as the Hindukush Himalayas face accelerated warming and glacier melt. The Indo-Gangetic plains report rising heat stress and declining monsoon rainfall. Coastal belts experience rising sea levels and more frequent severe cyclones.
Static GK fact: The Himalayas are often called the “Third Pole” due to their extensive ice reserves outside the polar regions.
Oceanic Amplifiers of Risk
The tropical Indian Ocean is warming at about 0.12 °C per decade, one of the fastest rates globally. Marine heatwaves may extend to nearly 200 days per year by 2050 under current trends. The Arabian Sea is emerging as a hotspot for intense cyclones: pre-monsoon cyclone intensity has risen by about 40 per cent in recent decades.
Static GK fact: Oceans cover roughly 71 % of the Earth’s surface and absorb over 90 % of excess heat from global warming.
Compound Extremes and Socio-Economic Impact
A key concern is the rise of compound extremes — for example, simultaneous heatwaves and droughts or heavy rainfall following prolonged heat. These hazards amplify impacts on agriculture, water supply, health systems and infrastructure. Regions with limited resilience find it harder to respond to consecutive shocks, increasing vulnerability.
Static GK fact: India’s agriculture sector employs nearly 50 % of its workforce though it contributes only about 17 % to GDP.
Pathways for Adaptation
Given these trends, there is urgent need for region-specific adaptation strategies. This includes strengthening early-warning systems, building resilient infrastructure, and prioritising climate-smart agriculture. Coastal zones require measures against rising sea levels and cyclones, while mountain regions need glacier-monitoring and disaster risk reduction. Meanwhile, the plains must address heat stress and changing monsoon patterns.
Static GK tip: India launched the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) in 2015 to catalyse adaptation projects.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s Rising Heat Record:
| Topic | Detail |
| Average temperature rise (2015-24) | ~0.9 °C |
| Increase in warm days per decade | 5–10 days |
| Warming rate of tropical Indian Ocean | ~0.12 °C per decade |
| Projected marine heatwave days by 2050 | Up to ~200 days/year |
| Increase in pre-monsoon cyclone intensity | ~40 % |
| Rise in hottest-day temperature since 1950s (western & northeast) | ~1.5-2 °C |
| Key vulnerable zones | Mountain regions, plains, coastal belts |
| Critical adaptation focus areas | Early warning, resilient infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture |
