The UK Met Office has provided the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) with advanced heatwave adaptation models as Delhi experiences temperatures that feel hotter than 43.5 degrees Celsius. The collaboration, formalised under a bilateral climate resilience agreement, aims to enhance India's capacity to mitigate extreme heat events that are becoming more frequent due to global warming.
Data from the UK Met Office includes urban heat island effect simulations and long-range forecasting tools designed to predict heatwave intensity and duration. These models are being integrated into India's early warning systems, which currently issue alerts for temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius. However, the 'feels like' temperature, which accounts for humidity and wind, is often several degrees higher, posing greater health risks.
Delhi's ambient temperature on Tuesday reached 43.5 degrees Celsius, but the heat index, which combines temperature and humidity, made it feel above 48 degrees in some areas. This has led to increased hospitalisations for heatstroke and dehydration, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and outdoor workers.
The UK Met Office's contribution is part of a broader technical assistance programme that includes training for IMD staff in interpreting climate models and issuing targeted advisories. The collaboration underscores the growing importance of international cooperation in adapting to climate change, as heatwaves in South Asia are projected to become more frequent and severe.
The Indian government has welcomed the data sharing, noting that it will help refine local responses, including the opening of cooling shelters and adjustments to working hours. However, critics argue that adaptation measures must be accompanied by stronger mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are driving the underlying temperature rise.
As Delhi swelters, the focus remains on protecting public health through evidence-based interventions, with the UK Met Office data providing an additional tool for decision-makers.
