As soon as we heat peak summer heat in India, the only thig most people look forward to are the monsoon rains. Even with untimely mid-summer rains, people breathe a sigh of relief, even if it is momentary. With the transition of summer to monsoon, people find themselves feeling relieved that their risk of heat-related issues are lesser. However, it is still a looming issue, nonetheless. A 2024 study published in the Advancing Earth and Space Sciences, points out the increasing danger of moist heat in India, especially during monsoon breaks. It finds that the periods of dry weather during monsoon season are becoming more frequent and is exposing hundreds of millions of people to life-threatening conditions. The report points to global warming and specific weather patterns as the main causes, which in turn are projected to have serious consequences for public health and the economy. What is Moist Heat and Why is it a Problem? Moist heat is a combination of high temperature and high humidity. It's especially dangerous because the high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating, which is how our bodies cool down. The report uses the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) to measure this risk. A WBGT of over 31°C is considered hazardous for physical work. This is a critical point where people working outside can suffer from heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and other life-threatening conditions. How is Heat In Monsoon An Issue The study's most significant finding is that monsoon breaks, which are short periods without rain during the monsoon season, are surprisingly dangerous. While we often think of the monsoon as a time of cooling rain, these breaks create conditions of extreme moist heat. The report shows that monsoon breaks are a far greater threat than the hot summer months. Widespread Danger:Between 1951 and 2020, monsoon breaks led to an increase in the area of India exposed to dangerous WBGT levels. This affected at least 670 million people. Greater Risk Than Other Seasons: The risk of extreme moist heat during monsoon breaks is substantially higher than during other times of the year. What Is The Reason Behind Heat In Monsoon? The research points to two main factors behind the rise in extreme moist heat during monsoon breaks: Global Warming The study found a strong link between rising global temperatures and the increase in moist heat extremes in India. This suggests that global warming is making these events more frequent and intense. Monsoon Weather Patterns Specific weather patterns during monsoon breaks, like periods of prolonged warming and changes in air circulation, are also driving up moist heat levels. The presence of high humidity and heat during these dry spells creates a perfect storm for dangerous conditions. How Does Heat In Monsoon Affect People? This research has major implications for public health and policy in India, a country where a large portion of the population works in agriculture and construction. Reduced Work Performance The study projects that work performance in India could decline by 30-40% by the end of the century due to rising moist heat. Economic Consequences This drop in productivity could lead to a significant economic loss, potentially reducing India's GDP by as much as 4% and causing crop prices to rise. Need for Policy Change The findings emphasize the urgent need for a review of outdoor working hours and the development of new public health policies to protect workers from the growing threat of extreme moist heat.