A new study by researchers from the University of California Berkeley estimates that prolonged heatwaves could cause tens of thousands of excess deaths across India.
May 29, 2026: A new study has warned that extreme heatwaves could lead to thousands of excess deaths across India, highlighting the growing impact of climate-related disasters on public health. The research, conducted by experts at the University of California Berkeley, estimated that a single day of extreme heat may cause around 3,400 excess deaths nationwide, while a five-day heatwave could result in nearly 30,000 additional deaths.
The study, published in Frontiers in Environmental Health, used district-level mortality data along with population projections to estimate the impact of heatwaves across the country. Researchers found that states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat are among the most vulnerable regions despite having relatively lower economic capacity. Uttar Pradesh alone was projected to record nearly 8,100 excess deaths during a five-day heatwave event.
The findings come as several northern and central Indian states continue to experience severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures crossing 45 degrees Celsius in parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Researchers said the data highlights the urgent need for stronger heat adaptation policies and targeted financial support for economically weaker but climate-vulnerable states. They also noted that nearly one-third of India’s population lives in the 100 districts identified as most vulnerable to heatwave-related deaths.