2025-2026 South Asia Heatwave Crisis
Recent Developments
01February 2026: WMO, WHO, Rockefeller Foundation, and Wellcome launch new initiatives at Mumbai Climate Week to protect South Asians from extreme heat, including South Asia Climate-Health Desk with IMD and IITM.
02February 28, 2026: India Meteorological Department forecasts warmer-than-normal summer 2026 with above-normal heatwaves in most parts from March-May.
03February 2026: Himachal Pradesh prepares for warmer March 2026 with above-normal temperatures and below-average rainfall, impacting water sources.
Interventions
- WMO-WHO Climate and Health Joint Programme's South Asia Climate-Health Desk partnering with IMD and IITM for improved early warnings and heat-health action plans.
- Rockefeller Foundation and Wellcome initiatives rolled out in 2026 to address extreme heat threats to health and economy in South Asia.
What Works
- Heat health action plans that prevent excess heat deaths, as noted by WMO Secretary-General.
- Early warning systems strengthening science-to-services pathway for decision-makers during severe heat events.
How to Help
- Support WMO-WHO, Rockefeller Foundation, and Wellcome initiatives addressing extreme heat in South Asia.
- Advocate for heat action plans and early warning systems through contacting representatives.
- Donate to climate-health programs focused on vulnerable South Asian communities.
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Verified Organizations
Organizations Helping(13)
AIDMI collaborates with local governments, NGOs, and communities to develop and implement heat action plans that include early warning systems, public awareness campaigns, and capacity-building activities. They conduct research on heat-related health risks, promote heat-resistant infrastructure, and advocate for policies to reduce heat-related mortality and morbidity while improving community resilience in India and across South Asia.
In Nepal, Practical Action develops heatwave early warning and early action systems to strengthen community resilience against urban heat islands and extreme heat events. Their work focuses on climate-resilient practices, evidence-based interventions, and capacity building tailored to South Asian contexts.
GHHIN is establishing a South Asia Regional Heat Action Hub in 2025 to convene stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, and private sectors across at least four countries. The hub facilitates knowledge exchange, drives policy change, implements practical interventions, and strengthens local capacity to manage extreme heat risks, with funding and technical support provided for 2025-2028.
Supports locally-led heat resilience solutions in South Asia through funding proven interventions, focusing on extreme heat in urban areas as part of the BeatTheHeat.Asia digital ecosystem, which connects funders, NGOs, policymakers, and communities to protect vulnerable populations from extreme heat.
