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A recent collaborative study by IIT Bombay’s Department of Civil Engineering, led by Professors Arpita Mondal and Subimal Ghosh, and spearheaded by their student Mr. Roshan Jha, sheds new light on the causes of the intense heatwaves that struck South Asia in March-April 2022.

Mr. Jha, the main author of this groundbreaking research conducted in partnership with Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany, played a pivotal role in identifying the high-altitude wind patterns and unusually dry soil conditions that compounded to create back-to-back extreme heat events. This critical work emphasizes the importance of understanding complex atmospheric and land surface interactions to improve forecasting and mitigation of future heatwaves exacerbated by climate change.

This study has captured significant mainstream media attention, underscoring its broad impact and relevance. From leading national newspapers to prominent digital platforms, the research has been extensively featured, reflecting the growing public and scientific focus on climate resilience and environmental forecasting.

Here are some of the key media outlets that covered this groundbreaking work:

NDTV: IIT Bombay study on heatwaves

Times of India: Wind, dry soil caused 2022 heatwaves

Careers360: IIT Bombay study on heatwaves

Knocksense: Back-to-back heatwaves no coincidence, IITB study

IIT Bombay’s commitment to pioneering research and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations exemplifies its vital role in addressing pressing environmental challenges. By equipping its faculty and students with advanced tools and a global perspective, IIT Bombay continues to develop solutions that significantly enhance India’s climate resilience and sustainable development goals.