‘A calamity’: Why is a record heatwave sweeping South Asia?
Summary
A severe heatwave is hitting South Asia, causing extremely high temperatures above normal for this time of year. Countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are facing dangerous heat that is affecting daily life and causing deaths. Experts link this heatwave to climate change and specific weather patterns like El Niño.Key Facts
- Temperatures in parts of South Asia have reached between 45 and 50 degrees Celsius (113-122 °F).
- At least 10 people have died in Pakistan due to heat-related problems, and heat deaths have also been reported in India.
- Heatwaves happen regularly before the monsoon season but this one is unusually intense and widespread.
- Scientists say the heatwave is caused by high-pressure systems trapping hot air near the ground.
- Weak pre-monsoon rains and an El Niño-like weather pattern are making the heatwave worse.
- El Niño is a climate event where parts of the Pacific Ocean get unusually warm, affecting global weather.
- The World Meteorological Organization expects El Niño to develop between May and July 2026.
- The India Meteorological Department warns of more frequent heatwaves this month in various regions of India.
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