IIT Roorkee develops system to provide early warnings for heat stress

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) has developed a personalised Heat Stress Risk Index Forecast (HSRIF) system to provide early warnings for heat stress. The technology uses Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) in combination with individual vulnerability and exposure data to give timely decisions on heat waves.

The system is also capable of predicting heat risks up to five days in advance by integrating high-resolution meteorological inputs with personal attributes such as age, health, conditions, and daily routines.

IIT Roorkee-developed technology collects real-time environment data and with its sophisticated predictive feature, the system informs individuals, who are exposed to heat-prone urban environments, about timely protective measures.

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Workings of IIT Roorkee’s HSRIF System

“This personalized approach addresses a critical gap in climate adaptation strategies, aligning with global initiatives focused on early warning systems and climate-responsive urban planning,” the institute said.

The target areas for this type of technology is urban landscape with densely populated cities and minimal green infrastructure, as they are vulnerable to extreme heat.

The HSRIF system can reduce the public health burden from rising temperatures by offering proactive, date-driven solutions.

“The research fills a critical gap in climate adaptation planning and directly supports the United Nations’ “Early Warnings for All” initiative. It underscores IIT Roorkee’s leadership in advancing climate resilience and public health protection for urban environments,” the institute added.