Heatwaves have wreaked havoc in India, claiming the lives of over 50 people since Thursday. Temperatures soared past 50 degrees Celsius in parts of North India, leading to deaths in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
As temperatures soar, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between heatstroke and heat exhaustion to protect yourself from heat-related illnesses. Heatstroke occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can release, leading to a rapid rise in body temperature to 41°C or higher. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, impaired consciousness, and seizures. Heat exhaustion, while less severe, can also cause discomfort and should not be ignored. It manifests as a headache, hot and red face, sweating, fatigue, nausea, and dizziness. To stay safe, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, stay hydrated, and seek immediate medical attention if you suspect heatstroke.
Houston is facing a difficult recovery effort after deadly storms left at least seven people dead and hundreds of thousands without power. Amidst the cleanup process, residents are also being warned about high temperatures and poor air quality. The National Weather Service predicts highs of around 90 degrees (32.2 C) through the start of the coming week, with heat indexes likely approaching 100 degrees (38 C) by midweek. The Houston Health Department has distributed 400 free portable air conditioners to area seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers of disabled children to contend with the heat. Five cooling centers have also been opened in the area.
India continues to grapple with an unrelenting heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 44 degrees Celsius in 13 regions. The heatwave has predominantly impacted eastern India and the southern peninsula but is expected to spread to the northern plains, central region, and adjoining areas of the peninsula in the coming days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted significantly high heatwave days across these regions.
Bengaluru residents will likely experience another day of sweltering heat, with little respite in sight. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts no significant change in weather on Monday, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to hover around 38°C and 23°C, respectively.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a maximum temperature warning for 12 districts in Kerala over the next five days due to a prevailing heatwave. Maximum temperatures are likely to reach around 41°C in Palakkad district, 40°C in Kollam and Thrissur, and 37-38°C in other areas. The IMD warns of the possibility of heat wave conditions in parts of Kollam, Palakkad, and Thrissur. The advisory includes districts like Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Kozhikode, Kannur, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kasaragod, and Thiruvananthapuram. hilly areas may experience slightly cooler temperatures. The IMD has also issued a severe heatwave alert for East and South Peninsular areas of the country until April 30, including West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh, in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
Polling personnel involved in the second phase of UP elections on April 26th will be equipped with medical kits to combat the prevailing high temperatures. Necessary facilities, including tents, sheds, drinking water, will be ensured at polling stations for both personnel and voters. Eight constituencies (Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, and Mathura) will participate in this phase. Various agencies like UP Police, Income Tax, Excise, and Narcotics are actively working to maintain fair elections. Additionally, 480 interstate check posts are operational within the state, and 495 licensed weapons have been seized by police.
Japan is experiencing unusually high temperatures in April, with several cities recording temperatures typically not seen until mid-June. The Japan Meteorological Agency has attributed the elevated temperatures to a high-pressure system moving over the main island of Honshu, with forecasts indicating even hotter conditions over the summer. The escalating temperatures are raising concerns about their impact on human health, agriculture, fishing industries, and the increased likelihood of natural disasters.
Scorching heat wave conditions will persist for another five days across East and South India, impacting polling in 89 constituencies across 13 states on Friday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Odisha, Bihar, and Gangetic West Bengal, indicating moderate health concerns for vulnerable populations. Temperatures have reached as high as 43°C in many areas, and high humidity adds to the discomfort in coastal regions. The IMD advises avoiding heat exposure and staying hydrated to mitigate the risks of heat-related illnesses.
