Heatwaves are often seen as temporary weather events. But they are much more than rising temperatures.

They affect our health, livelihoods, water supply, electricity, education, and everyday life. Yet the people most affected are often those with the least protection outdoor workers, children, older adults, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and low-income communities. Research on Heat Action Plans across Indian cities shows that early warnings alone are not enough. Building heat resilience requires collaboration between health, water, education, urban planning, disaster management, and local communities. The question is not only how hot it gets, but who is most exposed and why. A heatwave is not just a climate challenge. It is a public health, development, and social justice challenge.