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India, Pakistan Heatwaves: Climate Crisis Tripled Likelihood
15 May
Summary
- Climate crisis has tripled the likelihood of extreme heat events.
- Dangerous temperatures are occurring more frequently each year.
- Heatwaves pose significant threats to public health and food security.
Temperatures soaring into the high 40s Celsius across India and Pakistan are now a regular part of the pre-monsoon season, not extreme weather anomalies, according to scientists. A recent study by World Weather Attribution analyzed a prolonged heatwave from mid-April to early May, which saw daily maximums exceed 46C in multiple cities.
This research indicates the human-caused climate crisis has tripled the probability of such intense heat occurring and is lengthening the period of dangerous temperatures annually. Heat on this scale now happens approximately once every five years, a significant increase from pre-industrial times.
The extreme heat also led to record electricity demand due to surging cooling needs and exacerbated agricultural drought conditions, affecting over a million square kilometers and jeopardizing food security for millions. Scientists noted that even minor future warming could double the likelihood and intensity of these heat events.
Researchers emphasize that the pre-monsoon heat is becoming both hotter and longer, increasing the annual duration of life-threatening conditions for millions. The acceleration of heat earlier in April is particularly concerning as populations are less acclimatized, and humidity in river valleys intensifies heat stress.
