Amid the scorching heat, the arrival of the monsoon comes as a welcome relief, however, for millions living in Indian smart cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, this time the rains are making the weather feel cooler. Instead, many people are experiencing sticky, uncomfortable conditions that can feel even more exhausting-including the heat. Let's decode as to what is happening and what factors are causing the ' new heat effect'. Primary reason for the heat despite arrival of monsoon is 'heat index'-but there's more it now. Heat Index Explained Heat Index is basically the 'feels like' temperature. While rainfall may lower the air temperature, it also increases the amount of moisture in the air. High humidity makes it difficult for sweat to evaporate from the skin, reducing the body's natural cooling mechanism. As a result, people feel much hotter than the temperature shown on a weather app. Delhi's heat index has regularly crossed 46-50 degrees Celsius during July and August in recent years, according to a policy brief by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), even when the actual temperature was lower. This has resulted in greater discomfort and higher electricity consumption. Humid heat- the new threat The humidity that contributes to the heat index is becoming more common now than past years. According to a study by US-based non-profit Climate Central, cited by Hindustan Times, India has witnessed a sharp rise in the number of dangerously humid heat days since the 1970s. Delhi, Ghaziabad, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Nagpur and Raipur have all recorded a significant rise in such days. Scientists say warming seas, especially the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, are carrying more moisture inland. At the same time, rapid urbanisation and concrete-heavy cities trap heat, making conditions worse. Why nights are no longer providing