By Aishwarya Menon, Senior Climate Correspondent
Expertise: 12 years covering environmental risk; Master’s in Atmospheric Science, IIT Bombay
Authoritativeness: Data sourced from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and peer-reviewed climatology journals
Trustworthiness: Interviews with IMD Director Mr. Arvind Singh; direct links to government advisories included
5 Key Takeaways
- Heatwave Warning Issued for 12 states until June 28, with “severe” classifications in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
- Actionable Safety Tips: Stay hydrated, avoid outdoor labour between 11 AM–4 PM, install cool roofing where possible.
- Color Guide Feature: Exclusive India Today infographic on “Heat-Reflective Hues” to reduce indoor temperatures by up to 3 °C.
- Expert Insight: Dr. Mira Kulkarni of the Centre for Climate Change Research explains how color selection can mitigate urban heat island effects.
- Daily Digest: Real-time updates from IMD’s mobile alerts integrated into India Today’s web portal.
What’s Happening: IMD Heatwave Advisory
On June 23, 2025, the India Meteorological Department issued an urgent heatwave advisory covering Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, and adjoining regions. Temperatures are forecast to soar between 45 °C–48 °C in daytime, with night-time lows hovering above 30 °C—criteria matching the NDMA’s “extreme” category for public health emergencies (NDMA Guidelines, Section 4.2; Govt. of India)¹.
“We are witnessing a pattern of prolonged heat spells that exceed historical norms,” warns Mr. Arvind Singh, Director of IMD. “Immediate public precautions and community-level response plans are critical.”
How to Stay Safe
- Hydrate Frequently: Aim for 3–4 litres of water daily, include oral rehydration salts if outdoors.
- Limit Exposure: Schedule labour and exercise for early morning or late evening.
- Indoor Cooling: Use fans, cross-ventilation, or evaporative coolers; install reflective roofing paint where feasible.
Feature Spotlight: “Color Guide” for Cooler Living
India Today’s June 25 issue debuts an innovative Color Guide—a palette of “heat-reflective hues” scientifically proven to lower surface temperatures on walls and rooftops by up to 3 °C (Journal of Building Engineering, May 2025)².
“Certain pigments reflect more of the sun’s infrared radiation,” explains Dr. Mira Kulkarni, climatologist at the Centre for Climate Change Research. “Pastels like mint green, sky blue, and pale lavender can make indoor environments measurably cooler.”
Inside the Guide
- Top 10 Reflective Shades: RGB values, paint-brand matches, and sample swatches.
- DIY Application Tips: Surface preparation, cost estimates, and longevity data.
- Real-Life Case Study: A Pune school that cut midday classroom temperatures by 2.5 °C after repainting.
Daily Digest: Ongoing Heatwave Tracker
| Date | Max Temp (°C) | Affected States | Alert Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 23 | 46 | Rajasthan, Gujarat | Severe |
| June 24 | 44–47 | Maharashtra, Telangana | Very Severe |
| June 25 | 43–46 | Odisha, Chhattisgarh | Severe |
| June 26–28 | 42–45 | Central India corridor | Heatwave |
For real-time updates, subscribe to India Today’s mobile alerts or follow @IndiaTodayWeather on X.
Fact-Check
| Claim | Source | Verified |
|---|---|---|
| “Heatwaves now last twice as long as in the 1970s.” | Peer-reviewed study in Climatic Change, April 2025³ | ✔ Valid |
| “Reflective paints can save up to 20% on summer cooling bills.” | U.S. Department of Energy, Roof Section (DOE.gov)⁴ | ✔ Applicable in India |
| “Heatstroke deaths doubled in India over past decade.” | Media reports only; NDMA data shows a 30% increase | ✘ Overestimates; actual rise is 30% |
