India sounded the alarm as New Delhi sweltered under a blistering heat wave, with temperatures soaring to a scorching 52.3 degrees Celsius (126.3 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, marking the second consecutive day of record-breaking heat across the nation.
The India Meteorological Department has warned of “severe heat-wave conditions” gripping several regions, with relief expected only in central and northwest India by Thursday.
Tragically, three individuals succumbed to heatstroke on Tuesday in Rajasthan, the desert state known for its extreme temperatures and previously holding the national record for high heat.
Tuesday saw temperatures hitting a staggering 49.9 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit).
Local authorities have responded with water conservation measures, imposing fines of approximately $24 on those found wasting water, such as through excessive car washing.
The criteria for declaring a heat wave in India stipulates that the maximum temperature must surpass usual levels by 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius (40.1 to 43.52 degrees Fahrenheit). A “severe heat wave” designation is warranted when temperatures exceed normal levels by at least 6.5 degrees Celsius (43.7 degrees Fahrenheit).
Scientists are increasingly attributing the intensification of Asia’s scorching temperatures this summer to human-induced climate change.
