Jaipur: Media reports confirm that at least nine individuals have succumbed to suspected heatstroke in India’s western state of Rajasthan as scorching temperatures continue to ravage the region. With forecasts predicting a severe heatwave, concerns mount as soaring temperatures pose significant challenges, particularly amidst ongoing general elections in the country.
The relentless heatwave, a common occurrence during India’s summer months, has intensified this year, with scientists attributing the phenomenon to a combination of factors, including fewer non-monsoon thundershowers and the influence of an active but weakening El Niño weather pattern.
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While the exact cause of the fatalities in Rajasthan is yet to be officially determined by disaster management officials, local media reports suggest that individuals have fallen ill due to the extreme heat. This alarming situation comes in the wake of Barmer, a city in Rajasthan, recording a staggering temperature of 48.8°C (119.84°F) on Thursday, topping temperature charts.
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Weather authorities have issued warnings across multiple states, including Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, indicating conditions ranging from a heatwave to a severe heatwave. In line with Indian weather standards, a heatwave is defined as a maximum temperature of 40°C (104°F) in the country’s plains, accompanied by a departure of at least 4.5°C from the normal maximum temperature.
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Meanwhile, in the southern state of Kerala, a different weather extreme has emerged. Pre-monsoon rains, significantly heavier than usual, have led to floods claiming the lives of at least seven individuals. The intensified rainfall, approximately 18% higher than average, disrupted flight schedules in affected areas, underscoring the diverse weather challenges facing different regions of India.
