India is sweltering under its longest and most severe heatwave ever documented, with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) for over three weeks in some regions.
The head of India’s Meteorological Department (IMD), Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, issued a stark warning: even hotter days are on the horizon.
While the annual monsoon rains offer hope for a reprieve, Mohapatra cautioned that these extreme heat events will likely become “more frequent, durable and intense” in the future, posing a significant threat to the country.
Climate Change a Major Factor:
The IMD blames human activity, including population growth, industrialization, and increased reliance on fossil fuels like coal, for a rise in greenhouse gases like carbon monoxide and methane. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to rising global temperatures and more intense heatwaves. India is the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, and while the country has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, this remains a distant target.
The scorching temperatures have pushed India’s electricity grid to its limits, with record peak power demands recorded. People across the country struggle to find relief from the relentless heat.
Faulty Sensor Records Highest Temperature:
While an automatic weather station in Delhi initially registered a record-breaking high of 52.9 degrees Celsius (127.2 degrees Fahrenheit) in late May, Mohapatra confirmed the sensor malfunctioned. He assured the public that regular inspections are conducted to maintain the accuracy of weather stations.
India’s heatwave crisis highlights the urgency of addressing climate change. As global temperatures rise, extreme weather events like heatwaves are expected to become more common and severe. The situation in India serves as a cautionary tale for other countries, urging them to prioritize sustainable practices and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure.
