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India Swelters: Heatwave Grips Nation Amid El Niño Fears
28 Apr
Summary
- Temperatures soar, with Banda reaching 47.4°C and Akola hitting 46.9°C.
- WMO warns of record heat due to a potential El Niño event.
- Many cities experience temperatures over five degrees above normal.
Temperatures across India have begun to climb significantly after a cooler start to April, with several cities experiencing heatwave conditions. Banda in Uttar Pradesh registered a maximum temperature of 47.4 degrees Celsius, and Akola in Maharashtra recorded 46.9 degrees Celsius, marking the highest daytime temperature of the season.
Other regions, including Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi, have also seen temperatures soaring, with many cities reporting readings over five degrees Celsius above their normal range. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipates a temporary reprieve this week, but expects temperatures to rise again starting in May.
Adding to the concern, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has issued a warning of potentially record-breaking heat for India this summer. Climate models suggest a high probability of an El Niño event developing, possibly by May, which could further intensify the heat. El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by the warming of Pacific Ocean surface temperatures, typically occurring every two to seven years.
