Countries like India and Pakistan are expected to experience severe heatwaves this summer. The heat is predicted to surpass the record-breaking temperatures in 2010, the highest ever recorded in these regions.
According to the UK’s Mirror, Pakistan’s highest temperature exceeded 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) as of May. This is about 7 degrees Celsius (12.6 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than the average. The situation in India is no different. In March, India recorded its highest temperature since observations began 122 years ago, and abnormally high temperatures were also observed in April.
Currently, dozens of deaths have occurred in northern India and Pakistan due to the record heatwave that has continued since March. The death toll from heatstroke was at least 25 in India in May, and it was even higher, with 65 reported deaths in Pakistan. The actual number of unreported fatalities is expected to be higher. The impact of these sweltering heat waves is not limited to humans. In various regions, there have been reports of birds falling from the sky due to heatstroke and dehydration.
Peter Stott, a scientist with the UK Met Office, stated, “With temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in recent days, it is clear the current heat wave is an extreme weather event affecting communities and livelihoods.” Deputy Chief Forecaster of the Met Office, Nick Silkstone, mentioned that heatwaves pose risks to local communities and trigger natural disasters such as wildfires and floods, which can result from melting. Medical professionals have also expressed their concerns, warning that the damage from the recent heatwave may lead to even more significant medical issues than COVID-19.
Such instances demonstrate the significant impact of climate change not only in South Asia but across the globe. Due to extreme temperatures, crop failures and reduced production threaten international food security. Furthermore, the heat increases electricity demand, leading to power outages and disruptions in many areas. On an individual level, the heat can lead to an increased risk of illness and higher medical costs.
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