A new study reveals that human-caused climate change intensified the recent heatwave across North America, making it significantly hotter and more likely. The heatwave, which claimed at least 125 lives in Mexico alone, has shattered temperature records and led to widespread suffering. The study highlights the growing threat of extreme heat events as global warming continues, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia has witnessed a tragic rise in fatalities, exceeding 1,000 deaths. Over half of the deceased were unregistered pilgrims who endured extreme heat during the religious rituals. The soaring temperatures, reaching a maximum of 51.8 degrees Celsius, have been linked to many deaths, particularly among those without official permits, who lacked access to cooling facilities. Several countries, including Egypt, India, and Malaysia, have reported significant death tolls, with many victims succumbing to heat-related complications.
A relentless heat wave is sweeping across the central and eastern US, breaking decades-old temperature records and prompting officials to issue warnings of a potentially deadly event. Millions are sweltering under extreme heat advisories, with temperatures reaching dangerous levels in cities like New York, Chicago, and Detroit. The heat is also exacerbating wildfires in the west, forcing evacuations in California and New Mexico.
Bihar is facing an intense heatwave, leading to the closure of all educational institutions, including schools, coaching institutes, and anganwadi centers, until June 8, 2024. The decision was made after reports of students and teachers fainting due to extreme heat. The heatwave is expected to continue until June 8, with temperatures reaching as high as 48.2 degrees Celsius in some areas. Several other states in India are also experiencing heatwaves, leading to the early commencement of summer vacations for schools.
A severe heat wave is gripping northwest India, with Najafgarh in southwest Delhi recording the highest temperature in the country so far this season at 47.4 degrees Celsius. Nineteen places in Rajasthan, 18 in Haryana, eight in Delhi, and two in Punjab have reported temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius. The situation is expected to worsen in the next five days, with more than 54 crore people likely to experience extreme heat. Climate scientists have attributed the intense heat to human-caused climate change. The India Meteorological Department has issued heatwave alerts for several parts of India, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat, warning of potential health risks for vulnerable populations.
India is facing severe heatwaves until May 5th, with temperatures soaring in several regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that parts of Gangetic West Bengal and isolated pockets across Bihar will face extreme heat. The top ten hottest places in India on Thursday, according to IMD, include: Nandyal (Rayalaseema) -46.2, Palawancha (Telangana)- 45.3, Bolangir (Odisha) – 45.0, Retanchintala (Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yaman)- 44.8, Karur Paramathi (Tamil Nadu)- 44.3, Kalaikunda (Gangetic Wes Bengal)- 44.2, Vellore (Tamil Nadu)-43.6, Dharmapuri (Tamil Nadu)- 42.5, Sheikhpura (Bihar)- 41.1, Balurghat (Sub-Himalayan West Bengal) 41.0. The Bolangir district of Odisha recorded a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius, prompting the weather office to issue a heatwave warning for 15 districts in the state. Hot and humid weather is also expected in isolated pockets of Maharashtra and Karnataka Coast, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamilnadu. The Kerala government has issued instructions to close educational institutions until May 6, and has urged residents to avoid direct sunlight exposure between 11 am and 3 pm.
In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Weather Service (NWS) has introduced a groundbreaking heat risk system to effectively communicate the severity of hot weather conditions. This color-coded system includes a new magenta tier, representing extreme heat with prolonged duration and limited overnight relief, beyond the existing red tier. The system also offers a seven-day extreme weather forecast, enabling the public to proactively prepare for heat events.
Climate change is expected to significantly impact the number of outdoor days suitable for enjoyable outdoor activities by 2100, with Greece losing as many as 37 days per year. The study highlights the potential future consequences of rising global temperatures and emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have unveiled a new color-coded heat warning scale called “HeatRisk.” This tool combines weather forecasts with climate and heat-related health data to provide a seven-day heat forecast for any location across the country. The tool uses five different numerical “risk levels” to indicate the level of heat concern and risk of heat-related impacts for a particular location. The levels range from “little to no risk” to “extreme risk” and correspond to different colors, such as “red” meaning a major risk. The tool is designed to help Americans, especially those with increased health risks, stay safe when exposed to extreme heat. Users can access the HeatRisk tool through an interactive dashboard on the CDC website or by using the National Weather Service’s (NWS) mobile app.
The government of Tripura has ordered all schools in the state to remain closed for four days, starting from Wednesday, due to the prevailing heatwave. This decision was made in response to the advisory issued by the state revenue department, which expressed concern over the extremely hot and humid conditions that have been affecting the state for the past week. The notice issued by the education department states that all government, government-aided, and privately managed schools will remain closed from April 24 to 27, 2024.
