A new study reveals a significant decline in ozone-depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), with levels peaking in 2021—five years earlier than expected. The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, has been credited with this success, highlighting effective global action against HCFCs found in refrigeration and aerosols. Lead author Luke Western from the University of Bristol attributes the decline to stricter regulations and industry shifts. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, underscores the protocol's role in protecting the ozone layer and combating global warming.

A severe heatwave continues to ravage India, claiming at least 8 lives in Odisha in just 72 hours. The country has seen 60 heat-related deaths since March, but the true toll is likely much higher due to underreporting in rural areas. This heatwave is the longest on record, with temperatures soaring above 50C in some areas. Northern India has been experiencing extreme heat since mid-May, with water shortages exacerbating the crisis. The heat has already claimed the lives of 18 polling officials during the general elections. Authorities are struggling to cope with the disaster, as the country faces its worst heatwave in history.

The India Meteorological Department has warned of heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in parts of northwest and east India till June 15. Several states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Odisha, are expected to witness temperatures above 42°C. Meanwhile, heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted in south Madhya Pradesh, Konkan, Goa, and parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and the Northeast. Strong surface winds are expected in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana till June 14. The Met Department has advised caution and urged people to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the heatwave and heavy rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts another severe heat wave across northwest and east India, with temperatures set to rise by 2-3°C over the next five days. Affected areas include Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and Rajasthan. This follows record-breaking heat waves in April and May, exacerbated by El Nino and climate change. Experts note significant impacts on health, agriculture, and water resources, with past heat waves leading to over 56 reported deaths and thousands of heat-related illnesses. The heat wave also strains India’s power demand and water storage levels, highlighting urgent climate resilience needs.              

India's ongoing heatwave has set a new record, lasting over 24 days in different parts of the country, according to the India Meteorological Department. Temperatures have soared above 45°C (113°F) in northern India since mid-May. While the monsoon rains are expected to bring relief this month, the weather chief warned that heatwaves will become more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting without preventive measures. India, the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, relies heavily on coal for power generation, but has pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2070.

The Southwest monsoon has made a swift progress, advancing over parts of Maharashtra, Mumbai, and Pune, two days ahead of its normal date. The Northern Limit of Monsoon now passes through several districts in the region. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue in Konkan and Madhya Maharashtra, with a 'red' alert issued for extremely heavy rainfall (over 204 mm in 24 hours) till Monday. Coastal Karnataka is also expected to receive heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rainfall in these regions throughout the week.

Delhi is set to experience another wave of heat starting from Monday, with temperatures expected to rise to 44°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). After a brief reprieve, the capital saw a maximum temperature of 41.4°C on Saturday. A yellow alert has been issued from Monday to Wednesday as temperatures could reach up to 45°C. Despite a predicted thunderstorm and rain on Saturday evening, no such relief materialized. IMD attributes the rising temperatures to warm southwesterly and westerly winds.

Mumbai and neighboring areas received heavy rains in the past 24 hours, bringing down temperatures and providing relief from the heat. However, the rains caused a road cave-in on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Palghar district, disrupting traffic for over four hours. Repair works were underway when the road collapsed, affecting both sides of the road. Other districts in Maharashtra, including Thane and Nashik, also received significant rainfall. Mumbai recorded over 60 mm of rainfall in the 24-hour period, bringing much-needed relief to the city.

Delhi Water Minister Atishi has requested an urgent meeting with Lt Governor V K Saxena due to a significant reduction in water supplied by Haryana through the Munak Canal. Atishi highlighted that Delhi is supposed to receive 1,050 cusecs of water but is currently only getting 840 cusecs, affecting seven water treatment plants. She warned that if the water supply doesn't increase, Delhi's water situation could worsen within 1-2 days. Amid rising temperatures, the city is already experiencing a water shortage. Atishi urged the Lt Governor, as the Central Government's representative, to intervene and resolve the issue.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast of heavy rainfall across various states as the monsoon makes its advance. Multiple cyclonic circulations and a Western Disturbance are anticipated to bring widespread rainfall over the next few days. States including Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and West Bengal are expected to experience isolated heavy rainfall from June 6 to 10. Additionally, regions like Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and Karnataka are likely to witness heavy downpours, posing potential challenges for residents and authorities alike. Stay tuned for further updates as the monsoon progresses.