Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:57pm on 19 Jun 2024,Wednesday Weather & Environment
Delhi is experiencing a prolonged heatwave, causing power demand to reach a record 8,647 megawatts. Temperatures have been around 44-45°C, leading to increased use of air conditioners and frequent power outages. On Monday, a power cut at the city’s airport disrupted services. The heatwave has also worsened Delhi's water crisis, with residents queuing for water trucks. The heatwave is expected to continue, with dozens of heat-related deaths reported since March. The weather department forecasts below-normal rainfall in June, adding to the city's challenges.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:47pm on 19 Jun 2024,Wednesday Weather & Environment
As Delhi suffers from a severe heatwave, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts monsoon arrival in Delhi-NCR on June 30. Light rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to bring relief from the intense heat. A red alert for extreme heat is in place for West Uttar Pradesh and parts of Delhi until June 19. Temperatures in Delhi are expected to reach around 40°C. The IMD also issued an orange alert for Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi-NCR. East India will see a slight temperature drop over the next three days.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:05am on 19 Jun 2024,Wednesday Weather & Environment
Over 550 Hajj pilgrims have died in Mecca due to intense heat, with temperatures nearing 52 degrees Celsius. Most deaths were caused by heat-related illnesses. Among the dead were 323 Egyptians and 60 Jordanians. Saudi authorities treated over 2,000 for heat stress. This year's Hajj saw around 1.8 million pilgrims. Many pilgrims tried to perform Hajj without official permits, lacking access to air-conditioned shelters. The extreme heat underscores the growing impact of climate change on the pilgrimage. Saudi health officials reported successful disease control but struggled with the overwhelming heat-related health issues.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:34pm on 18 Jun 2024,Tuesday Weather & Environment
4.9 magnitude earthquake struck Kashmar, northeastern Iran, at 1:24 pm on Tuesday, killing four people and injuring 120. Kashmar's governor, Hajatollah Shariatmadari, reported that 35 people were hospitalized. The quake caused significant damage to old buildings in both urban and rural areas. Footage on state TV showed first responders amid the rubble. The United States Geological Survey recorded the quake's depth at 10 kilometers. Iran frequently experiences earthquakes due to its location on multiple tectonic plates. Last year, a 5.9 magnitude quake near Turkey killed three and injured over 800.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:51pm on 18 Jun 2024,Tuesday Weather & Environment
The UK issued a heatwave alert as temperatures reached 26°C, drawing amused reactions from Indian social media users familiar with much higher temperatures. The Met Office forecasts highs of 30°C, warning of possible thunderstorms. One user quipped, “26°C is a heatwave in the UK? How did they ever survive ruling India with our 40°C summers?” Another commented, “It's odd how people in the UK consider 26°C a heatwave, especially considering they once ruled India.” India, enduring one of its harshest heatwaves, has seen temperatures soar to 50°C in some areas, making the UK’s alert seem mild in comparison.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:29am on 18 Jun 2024,Tuesday Weather & Environment
A severe heatwave has struck Delhi, UP, Haryana, Punjab, and other north Indian states, prompting a red alert from the India Meteorological Department. Temperatures have soared above 46°C, with Bihar reporting 22 heat-related deaths in 24 hours. Delhi's "feels-like" temperature reached 50°C, causing flight delays due to technical issues. The national capital's maximum temperature is expected to remain around 45°C, 6 degrees higher than normal. While scattered rains and dust storms may bring slight relief from Wednesday, no long-term respite is forecast. The heatwave has disrupted daily life, with authorities urging caution and necessary precautions.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:08am on 18 Jun 2024,Tuesday Weather & Environment
A severe heat wave has struck north India, with Delhi experiencing a record 45.2°C on Monday. The capital is under a 'red' alert, with a severe water crisis exacerbating the situation. The India Meteorological Department predicts some relief in the form of thunderstorms and light rain from an approaching weather disturbance. Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar are also expected to face severe heat wave conditions until June 19 and 18, respectively. In contrast, Chennai and surrounding areas received overnight rains, bringing respite from the sweltering heat. The heat wave has sparked a political row, with opposition parties criticizing the ruling AAP over the water crisis.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:01pm on 17 Jun 2024,Monday Weather & Environment
Wildfires in California continue to wreak havoc, with the Post Fire in Los Angeles County consuming nearly 15,000 acres and forcing the evacuation of 1,200 people from Hungry Valley State Park. In Northern California, the Point Fire in Sonoma County has burned over 1,000 acres, prompting evacuation orders as structures were destroyed. Firefighters are battling the blazes, aided by aircraft and ground crews, but high winds and dry conditions are fueling the flames. Residents in affected areas are urged to be prepared for potential evacuation as the fires remain largely uncontained.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:13pm on 17 Jun 2024,Monday Weather & Environment
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab due to severe heatwave conditions. Temperatures in Delhi reached 44°C on Monday and are expected to rise further. The heatwave will continue until June 19. Meanwhile, northeastern states are experiencing heavy rainfall. IMD forecasts continuous rain in Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur for the next 3-5 days. Heavy rains in Sikkim have caused landslides and floods, resulting in one death and several injuries. An orange alert for thunderstorms has been issued for parts of Madhya Pradesh.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:08am on 17 Jun 2024,Monday Weather & Environment
Alarm bells are ringing as the Hindu Kush Himalaya region faces a severe snow deficit, threatening water security for millions. A report by ICIMOD reveals snow persistence is significantly lower this year, prompting experts to urge water management officials to initiate drought management strategies. The region's frozen water sources supply freshwater to 240 million people and benefit 1.65 billion others downstream. Snowmelt accounts for 23% of the water flow in 12 major river basins, but levels are currently 20% below normal, with the western region hit hardest. This crisis demands immediate attention to prevent severe water shortages.