India and Bhutan Face Rising Heat Risks Amid Climate Change

• •India's average temperature rose by 0.89°C from 2015-2024, with 2024 as the warmest year.
• •Bhutan's temperatures increased by over 1°C in the 20th century, with southern areas exceeding 30°C.
• •Both countries are implementing Heat Action Plans to mitigate health risks from extreme heat.

India and Bhutan are experiencing significant increases in heat exposure, impacting population health and productivity. India reported an average temperature rise of 0.89°C from 2015-2024 compared to the 1901-1930 baseline, with 2024 being the warmest year recorded. Bhutan's temperatures have increased by over 1°C in the 20th century, with southern regions already exceeding 30°C on many days. Both countries are implementing Heat Action Plans (HAPs) to address these risks, with India declaring heatwaves a notified natural disaster in August 2026. Vulnerable populations, including outdoor workers and the elderly, face heightened health risks, including increased mortality rates. In India, heat exposure has led to significant productivity losses, particularly in outdoor labor sectors. Bhutan's agricultural sector is also severely affected, with millions of labor hours lost annually due to heat stress. Both nations are prioritizing heat-health surveillance and institutional coordination to enhance resilience against extreme heat events.