Early heatwave sweeps northern India, bringing deadly thunderstorms as temperatures soar to extreme levels and triggering severe consequences including deaths and extensive damage to crops.
Temperatures in northern India have been soaring to extreme levels, with temperatures exceeding 40C triggering deadly thunderstorms. The hot weather has brought severe consequences, including deaths and extensive damage to crops.
A heatwave is a prolonged period of abnormally hot weather, typically lasting more than two days.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a heatwave is defined as a temperature anomaly that exceeds the average high temperature for a given region by at least 5°C (9°F).
Heatwaves can be caused by various factors, including global warming, urbanization, and weather patterns.
In severe cases, they can lead to heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
A heatwave warning has been issued for the entire country of Mali from Wednesday to Sunday, with maximum temperatures expected to reach 40-47C for at least three consecutive days. This is comparable to average temperatures during the height of summer in June and July, whereas April averages tend to be 38-40C.
A heatwave warning is issued by meteorological agencies when a prolonged period of abnormally hot weather is forecasted.
This warning alerts the public to take necessary precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.
According to the World Health Organization, heatwaves are responsible for thousands of deaths worldwide each year.
In 2019, Europe experienced its worst heatwave in 50 years, with temperatures reaching as high as 45°C (113°F).
Heatwave warnings typically include guidelines on hydration, rest, and avoiding strenuous activities during peak sun hours.
People have been advised to stay indoors during the hottest hours, wear light-coloured clothing, eat foods with high quantities of liquid and drink plenty of water to cope with the extreme heat. The national meteorological agency has warned that severe thunderstorms, significant hail, and strong winds are expected to persist across Bihar until Saturday, owing to a low-pressure system over the west-central Bay of Bengal.
Northern India has been experiencing early extreme heat this week, with temperatures topping 40C in cities such as New Delhi and Jaipur. The capital city reached 40.3C on Wednesday, surpassing 40C for the first time this year. Farther south, Jaipur exceeded 40C for five consecutive days from Sunday, with a maximum temperature of 43C recorded on Wednesday.
The unusually high temperatures came a week after the Indian meteorology bureau said most parts of the country would experience an intense heatwave this summer, with two to four more such days than normal. The extreme early heat has triggered severe thunderstorms across Bihar, including in Patna, resulting in at least 19 deaths in the past two days.
Meanwhile, parts of east Africa are experiencing higher-than-average temperatures, which could approach the April record. The national meteorological agency has issued a heatwave warning for several countries in the region, with temperatures expected to remain above average for an extended period.
The situation highlights the need for people to take precautions against the extreme heat and its consequences. By staying informed and taking necessary measures, individuals can minimize their risk of injury or death from heat-related illnesses.
- theguardian.com | Weather tracker: early heatwave sweeps northern India
