Heat waves characteristics intensification across Indian smart cities

Area of Science:

• Climate Science
• Urban Meteorology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Indian cities are experiencing increasingly severe heat waves due to rising variations in their characteristics.
• Future climate projections indicate a significant impact on heat wave frequency, duration, and intensity across urban India.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of future climate scenarios (SSP 245 and SSP 585) on heat wave characteristics in Indian smart cities.
• To compare historical heat wave data (1981-2020) with future projections (2021-2098) under different climate scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of historical meteorological data (1981-2020).
• Climate modeling under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) 245 and SSP 585 for future projections (D1, D2, D3).
• Assessment of heat wave characteristics (duration, frequency, intensity) across different Indian climate zones.

Main Results:

• Coastal, Interior Peninsular, and North-Central regions are projected to experience more intense and frequent heat waves.
• A near two-fold increase in the mean duration of heat waves is anticipated in smart cities within these vulnerable zones.
• Thiruvananthapuram identified as having the highest heat wave hazard under both SSP scenarios.

Conclusions:

• Future heat wave trends necessitate proactive adaptation and mitigation strategies for Indian smart cities.
• Policymakers can utilize this framework for enhanced heat action plans to improve urban health and well-being.
• Targeted interventions are crucial for vulnerable regions and cities like Thiruvananthapuram to manage extreme heat events.