2002 Indian heat wave

The 2002 Indian heat wave was a severe weather event that affected large parts of India in May 2002, resulting in extreme temperatures and widespread suffering. Characterized by soaring temperatures exceeding 45 °C (113 °F) in several states, the heat wave particularly impacted regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. The intense heat led to significant health crises, with thousands of heat-related illnesses reported and numerous fatalities. Agricultural productivity was adversely affected, compounding the hardships faced by vulnerable communities reliant on seasonal crops. Government agencies and humanitarian organizations mobilized efforts to provide relief, emphasizing the need for disaster preparedness in the face of climate variability. This event underscored the growing challenges posed by climate change in the Indian subcontinent.