India is likely to experience an extra 15 to 40 unusually hot days each year over the next two decades due to rising climate change, according to predictions from CRAVIS, an AI-based climate intelligence platform developed by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). These estimates compare with weather patterns from 1981 to 2010.
In several areas, the number of unusually warm nights could also increase by 20 to 40 days annually. This rise in temperature can affect human health, as it hampers the body’s ability to cool down after sunset. It can also impact productivity at work, the performance of infrastructure, and overall economic strength.
CRAVIS uses over 40 years of historical climate data and projects trends up to 2070. It analyzes various indicators at the district level, considering different emissions and global warming scenarios. The platform allows users to combine climate data with information on sectors like energy, agriculture, land use, and public health to better understand climate risks.
Supported by several organizations, including Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and HSBC Foundation, CRAVIS is designed as a collaborative tool that invites contributions from various partners to enhance its data and analysis.
The platform has revealed that more than half of India’s 281 data centers are already experiencing temperatures above 35°C for over 90 days each year. By 2040, this figure could rise to nearly 90%, leading to increased cooling needs and higher operating costs. In Delhi, the number of warm nights could grow from about 180 per year now to over 210 in the next 25 years—an increase that translates to more demand for cooling.
In addition to rising temperatures, heavy rainfall is also expected to become more frequent over the next two decades. Many districts may face 10 to 30 additional days of heavy rain each year, particularly in central and southern states like Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
These findings emerge as India encounters more intense climate events, such as early heat waves and concerns over a potential ‘Super El Niño.’
