Northeast India is in the grip of an intense June heatwave, with two of its cities recording unprecedented temperatures. In Arunachal Pradesh’s capital, Itanagar hit a scorching 39.7 °C, its highest June temperature ever, surpassing the previous record of 39.5 °C set in 2015. In Assam, Dibrugarh surged to 38.7 °C, eclipsing its former June high of 38.2 °C.
Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh also matched its June record at 38.6 °C, a level last reached in 1996. The spike in temperature is particularly alarming considering that many northeastern regions are typically known for cooler, temperate weather.
Heatwave’s Wider Impact: Beyond Itanagar and Dibrugarh
Several other areas in Assam reported sweltering readings: Jorhat, Mazbat, and North Lakhimpur each climbed to 38.2 °C. Regional temperature anomalies were equally alarming — Pasighat soared 7.6 °C above normal, followed by Dibrugarh at 7.2 °C above normal, and others like North Lakhimpur, Tezpur, and Jorhat registering deviations between 5.6 °C and 6.4 °C.
Even traditionally cooler regions like Sohra (Cherrapunjee) felt the heat, recording 28.9 °C, its fifth-highest June maximum since weather records began.
Health Warnings and Mitigation Steps
The escalating heat has sparked immediate responses: district administrations across the region issued public advisories, adjusted school hours for children’s safety, and cautioned vulnerable populations against prolonged exposure. In Guwahati, high humidity pushed “feels-like” temperatures to alarming levels, with citizens reporting severe discomfort. Health officials urged strict hydration measures, limited outdoor activity, and extra care for the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
A Ray of Relief: Monsoon on the Horizon?
Hope may be on the way. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a fresh spell of monsoon rain in the next two to three days, bringing light to moderate showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds of 30–40 km/h. Heavy rainfall is expected between June 14 and June 18 across the Northeast, with particularly intense downpours forecast for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya.
Why This Matters
This June heatwave underscores a troubling shift in Northeast India’s climate baseline. Regions historically known for milder summer conditions are now experiencing unprecedented extremes. The rise in temperature anomalies, coupled with health hazards like heatstroke, dehydration, and worsening air quality, is putting mounting pressure on public health systems and local communities.
For many, the heatwave is not just a weather anomaly but a warning signal about the accelerating effects of climate change. Experts argue that without urgent mitigation and adaptation measures, such events could become the new normal across the region.
Public Reactions Gain Momentum
The record-breaking heat has sparked strong reactions among civic activists and environmental groups in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Many organizations are demanding long-term climate resilience planning, including urban greening, improved public health infrastructure, and stricter disaster management strategies. Social media users across the Northeast have also amplified the issue, calling for accountability and urgent climate action.
A Turning Point for Climate Preparedness?
If this year’s heatwave is a sign of things to come, the Northeast may need to overhaul its approach to climate preparedness. Strengthening early warning systems, improving community awareness, and designing heat action plans tailored to the region’s unique geography will be vital. Policymakers and local administrations now face the challenge of turning this crisis into an opportunity to make the region safer and more resilient against future extremes.
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