The exceptional temperatures recorded in New Delhi recently have added to the global tally of extreme weather events, highlighting the escalating impact of climate change. On May 29, parts of Delhi experienced temperatures soaring to 52.9 degrees Celsius, the highest ever recorded in India.
This extreme event in Delhi is part of a broader pattern of unprecedented heatwaves affecting regions across the globe. In July 2022, the United Kingdom recorded temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius for the first time. A small town in northwest China reached 52 degrees Celsius last year, the highest ever for the country. In 2021, Sicily, Italy, reported 48.8 degrees Celsius, setting a record for Europe.
Global Heatwave Incidents
Iran experienced an alarming incident last year, where the heat index soared to an unprecedented 66 degrees Celsius in July. This extreme heat led Iran to declare public holidays and advise vulnerable populations to remain indoors.
The heat index, often referred to as the ‘feels-like’ temperature, combines air temperature and relative humidity to estimate the temperature perceived by humans. High humidity hinders the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating, making the heat feel more intense. A heat index of 66 degrees Celsius is life-threatening and exceeds the human body’s endurance thresholds for extended periods.
Extreme heat poses severe health risks. According to the vaccine alliance GAVI, it can lead to dehydration, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Exposure to high temperatures can exacerbate existing health conditions, making older individuals and those with chronic illnesses particularly vulnerable.
Climate Change and Rising Temperatures
The year 2024 was forecasted to be exceptionally warm, continuing the trend set by 2023, which was the warmest year on record globally. Climate change, driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, is the primary cause of rising temperatures. The accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere creates a greenhouse effect, trapping heat and causing a steady increase in the planet’s average temperature over the past century.
Climate change disrupts traditional weather patterns, leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, prolonged droughts, and other extreme weather events. Melting ice caps and increased evaporation further exacerbate global warming, creating a feedback loop that intensifies climate impacts.
An analysis by Carbon Brief, a UK-based publication focused on climate change, indicated that nearly 40% of the Earth recorded its highest-ever daily temperatures between 2013 and 2023, including locations in Antarctica.
Heatwaves in India Growing Concern
Despite the global trend, warming over India is less pronounced than the global average. Since 1900, annual mean temperatures in India have risen by about 0.7 degrees Celsius, compared to a 1.59 degrees Celsius increase in global land temperatures. Including oceans, global temperatures are currently at least 1.1 degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial averages.
However, heatwaves in India are becoming increasingly severe. In 2023, heatwave conditions were observed even in February, a month typically not associated with such weather. The current high temperatures in Delhi and most of North India are significantly above the 1981-2010 average.
Future Outlook
The persistent high temperatures in Delhi, coupled with similar extreme weather events globally, underscore the urgent need for climate action. As temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius become more common, readings of 50 degrees Celsius will no longer seem unusual.
The ongoing heatwaves highlight the pressing issue of climate change and the need for immediate and sustained efforts to mitigate its impacts. The global community must prioritize reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing strategies to adapt to the changing climate to safeguard human health and the environment.
Edited by Dr. Brijendra Kumar Mishra, (Disaster Risk Reduction Expert)