Energy‐Driven Anthropogenic Heat Exacerbates Spring Heatwaves and Human Exposure Risks in South Asia by 2100

Abstract Anthropogenic heat release (AHR) is the heat generated by energy consumption, results in uneven heating and contributes to urban heat islands. This study used the CESM2 model to explore the impacts and mechanisms of AHR on spring climate in South Asia by the late 21st Century under the SSP5‐8.5 future scenario. The findings indicate that AHR affects the lower troposphere stability in South Asia, which in turn influences low cloud formation and surface net shortwave radiation. Additionally, AHR disrupts the surface energy balance, leading to an increase in average spring temperatures by 0.57 K. Our study shows that AHR alters large‐scale atmospheric circulation, intensifying anticyclonic circulation over western South Asia. Furthermore, moisture transport from the Indian Ocean to the western regions is reduced, resulting in a hotter and drier climate. Under the influence of AHR, the average number of annual daytime heatwave days in spring increases by 0.3 days, while the number of nighttime heatwave days increases by 0.5 days. These changes lead to a 9% and 13.9% increase in population exposure to daytime and nighttime heatwaves, respectively. The vast Indus‐Ganges plain is the region that will experience a significant surge in exposure to both daytime and nighttime heatwave, with a 6.6% increase in compound daytime‐nighttime heatwave exposure, primarily concentrated in central India. The results reveal the relationship between AHR and future climate change, as well as climate extremes in South Asia. This study highlights the climate risks and potential social impacts of AHR, along with its significant impacts on human health.