“India Sizzles: Record-Breaking Heatwave Hits the Country with Temperatures Soaring Over 50ºC”
India is currently facing one of its most severe heatwave streaks in history, with temperatures soaring above 50ºC in many parts of the country. On Wednesday, an outlier temperature of over 52ºC was reported in Delhi, although this is still being verified. City authorities have issued warnings about potential water shortages and power grid failures.
The record-breaking heatwave has shattered previous temperature records, with Delhi surpassing its previous high of 49.2ºC from 2002 by reaching 49.9ºC on May 27, 2024. The entire Northwest India, particularly regions in Rajasthan and the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), have been experiencing extreme heatwaves since last week.
Climate change, primarily driven by the burning of fossil fuels and exacerbated by human activities, is making heatwaves more intense and frequent worldwide. According to the IPCC, heatwaves that used to occur once every 10 years are now happening 2.8 times more often and are 1.5ºC warmer due to human-induced climate change.
The combination of intense heat and high humidity in India and South Asia poses significant health risks to the population, as the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating is hindered by humidity. This has led to over 16,000 cases of heat stroke and 60 heat-related deaths since March 2024, with nighttime temperatures remaining dangerously high in some areas.
Experts emphasize the urgent need for adaptation measures to mitigate the impact of rising global temperatures. They warn that without immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change, heatwaves like the current one in India will become more frequent and severe, putting millions of lives at risk.
Authorities have urged the public to take precautions against the extreme heat, such as staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight, and using sunscreen. They also stress the importance of implementing long-term solutions, such as planting trees and redesigning urban areas to combat the urban heat island effect.
As India grapples with the devastating effects of the ongoing heatwave, experts emphasize the need for immediate action to address climate change and protect vulnerable populations from the escalating impacts of extreme heat. The current situation serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global efforts to combat climate change and safeguard the well-being of all.