India is currently recording its highest-ever record temperatures. The temperatures have hit 52.3C, and the government weather bureau reported a severe heat wave that has crossed the landmark of 50C.
Scientists believe the extreme changes have been caused by climate change. A red alert has been issued for several parts of the northern and western areas.
These hot temperatures have been experienced in southern and southeast Asia, from India to the Philippines.
Weather reports show temperatures across Central and Northern India have been more than 50C. Furthermore, the same heat is experienced at night, with temperatures going to around 30C.
Things are expected to change once the Southwest Monsoon arrives in the country. It’s in Sri Lanka and is expected to arrive in India in a few days. The monsoon brings rain, and the temperatures fall.
Summer in India runs from March to September, and it’s usually hot and humid. The country is one of the hottest areas in Asia. Most parts of the region are experiencing extreme heat. In Pakistan, the temperatures have also crossed 52 degrees. Other countries are Thailand and Vietnam.
It’s unfortunate that the four nations are the top exporters of rice. With the hot temperatures, farming output will decrease, affecting global food security.
The extreme temperatures have left citizens who struggle to make ends meet unable to care enough for themselves.
Baskets of shaved ice
I have to sit in the heat. I have no fan, and I have to sit in my hut. The sun is scorching and eating away at us, but where can I go? Hanal Khatun, a Sindh resident, says.
In Pakistan, close to 40% of the population lives below the poverty line. This means that despite the extreme heat, many people can’t just stay at home.
We have to work in this hot weather. We don’t have a choice. We must work and feed our children whether cold or hot, lamented another villager.
Hospitals have been treating hundreds of patients with heat strokes. Keeping them cold has been an uphill task due to the frequent power blackouts caused by the growing demand. Rivers and wells in Maharashtra state are dry, and the farmland is empty.
The most affected cities are Delhi, where the highest record was 52.9C on Wednesday; Churu, Rajasthan, with 50.5C recorded on Tuesday; Pholodi, Rajasthan, which also recorded 50C last week; and Sirsa, Haryana, which experienced 50.3 degrees on Tuesday.
