New Delhi: India’s Meteorological Department (IMD) warns that temperatures are higher than usual, and that days of heat waves can harm lives and livelihoods.

India is no stranger to the heat of summer, but years of scientific research have found that climate change is causing heat waves to become longer, more frequent and more intense.

The summer in India continues from April to June, when temperatures often soar to 45 degrees Celsius on the peaks of the season.

The country’s Weather Service said in its forecast late Monday that the hot weather season will see the highest temperatures of “altitude” in much of the country.

The number of heat wave days increases as high temperatures above the long-term average is recorded.

“As long as 10 days of heat waves can be expected, even more,” said Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, owner of the Meteorological Bureau.

India usually experiences four to seven heat waves between April and June.

Infants, seniors, people with health problems and outdoor workers are particularly susceptible to hot temperatures.

The resulting heat stress can lead to symptoms, ranging from dizziness and headaches to organ failure and death.

Urban residents surrounded by concrete, bricks and other heat-absorbing surfaces also face rising risks.

Extreme heat can also distort infrastructure, such as power grids and transportation systems.

IMD said thermal action plans must be developed to address these challenges.

“This includes providing access to cooling centers, issuing heat consultations and implementing strategies to mitigate the heat island impact in affected areas,” it said.

India was stuffy in the longest heat wave ever last year, with temperatures regularly passing 45 degrees Celsius.

The World Health Organization calculates that calories kill at least 500,000 people a year, but warns that the real number could be as high as 30 times.