Heatwaves are shattering records globally. The unusually high temperatures observed in New Delhi over the last few days are striking, but not unprecedented. In recent years, the world has witnessed a number of extreme weather occurrences that show the rising severity of climate change.
Delhi is currently among the regions suffering record-breaking temperatures, which frequently top 50 degrees Celsius. On Wednesday (May 29), temperatures in areas of Delhi allegedly hit 52.9 degrees Celsius, the highest recorded in India.
Heatwaves are shattering records globally
However, Delhi is not alone in experiencing excessive heat. For the first time in history, temperatures in the United Kingdom exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in July 2022. Last year, a little village in northwest China recorded 52 degrees Celsius, the country’s highest temperature to date. In 2021, Sicily in Italy hit 48.8 degrees Celsius, the highest temperature ever recorded in Europe.
Another worrying instance occurred in Iran last year, when the heat index led temperatures to rise to an unprecedented 66 degrees Celsius in July. Iran proclaimed public holidays due to the “unprecedented heat” and recommended the elderly and those with health issues stay indoors.
What is the ‘feels-like’ temperature?
The heat index, often known as the ‘feels-like’ temperature, is a calculation that combines air temperature and relative humidity to determine the temperature that people perceive. High humidity reduces the body’s capacity to cool itself through sweating, making the heat feel much more intense. A heat index of 66 degrees Celsius is lethal, beyond the limits of the human body’s ability to withstand prolonged exposure.
What dangers does a high temperature pose to your health?
The effects of extreme heat on people’s health can be disastrous. The Vaccine Alliance (GAVI) states that dehydration may result. The blood begins to thicken if a person doesn’t drink enough water to replace what is lost through perspiration and sweating, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke. In addition to aggravating pre-existing health issues, exposure to high temperatures can also put elderly individuals and those with chronic illnesses in heightened danger.
Do these stem from changing weather patterns?
Heatwaves in 2024 were expected to be exceptionally warm. It was projected that global warming would break records this year, and it hasn’t failed. One of the primary effects of climate change, which is becoming a major global concern, is rising temperatures. Human activity, especially the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, is the main factor responsible for the remarkable changes in Earth’s climate.