Delhi Faces Record 52°C Heatwave: Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj Mobilizes Hospitals, Police to Tackle Crisis

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:32pm on 20 Jun 2024,Thursday Weather & Environment

New Delhi faces an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 52°C, the highest in 60 years. In an emergency meeting, Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj directed hospitals to increase beds for heat-related illnesses and coordinated with Delhi Police to assist the homeless. Hospitals are on high alert, ensuring immediate treatment for heatstroke cases. Bharadwaj also urged the public to follow new advisories on managing the heat. With 310 hospital admissions and 14 deaths, the minister emphasized rapid response and hospital preparedness to tackle the escalating crisis.      

Read More at The Times of India

London Set to Outshine Algarve with Near-Heatwave Conditions, Temps to Hit 27°C

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:28pm on 20 Jun 2024,Thursday Weather & Environment

London is gearing up for a spell of summer heat, with temperatures expected to soar to 27°C next week, surpassing those in popular European holiday spots like the Algarve and Barcelona. BBC Weather forecasts a sunny week ahead after a damp start to the season, making London warmer than destinations such as Nice and Tenerife. The shift follows a wet spring in the UK, but the Met Office predicts a rise above seasonal norms due to a strengthening jet stream. While not quite a heatwave by definition, Londoners can anticipate a significant warm spell amidst improving weather conditions.

Read More at The Standard

Over 1,000 Dead at Hajj in Mecca Amid Intense Heatwave

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:31pm on 20 Jun 2024,Thursday Weather & Environment

Over 1,000 pilgrims have died during this year’s Hajj in Mecca as temperatures soared to 49°C (120°F), causing widespread heatstroke. Unregistered pilgrims, particularly from Egypt, accounted for the majority of the fatalities. With more than 1.8 million attendees, the heatwave has overwhelmed medical teams, who are treating thousands for heat-related illnesses. Saudi authorities have deployed substantial medical and military resources to manage the crisis. This year’s toll marks a significant rise from last year’s 240 deaths, underscoring the severe impact of rising temperatures.

Read More at India Today

Climate Change Increases Likelihood of Deadly Heatwaves in US and Mexico, Scientists Warn

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:20am on 20 Jun 2024,Thursday Weather & Environment

A study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group reveals that human-induced climate change has made recent extreme heatwaves in the US southwest and Mexico 35 times more likely. The heatwave, intensified by fossil fuel emissions, has led to deadly temperatures and claimed lives across the region. Scientists emphasize that as global temperatures rise, heatwaves like these will become more frequent and severe, posing grave risks to human health and exacerbating economic costs. The study underscores the urgent need for climate action to mitigate future climate-related disasters.

Read More at BBC

192 Homeless People Died in Delhi Heatwave Since June 11: Report

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:02am on 20 Jun 2024,Thursday Weather & Environment

A report by the Centre for Holistic Development revealed that 192 homeless individuals died in Delhi from June 11 to 19 due to the severe heatwave. This period marks the highest heatwave-related deaths recorded in the city. Homeless people, who accounted for 80% of these deaths, faced extreme conditions worsened by pollution and lack of access to clean water. The NGO's director, Sunil Kumar Aledia, emphasized the need for cooling centers, adequate shelters, and improved access to hydration. Many homeless individuals are excluded from government welfare programs due to lack of identification, highlighting the necessity for systemic solutions.      

Read More at India Today

Delhi Heatwave Pushes Power Demand to Record High

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.

Read More at BBC

IMD Predicts Monsoon Arrival in Delhi-NCR on June 30

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.

Read More at Hindustan Times

Over 550 Hajj Pilgrims Die in Mecca's Blazing Heat Nearing 52 Degrees

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.

Read More at NDTV

4 Killed, 120 Injured in 4.9 Magnitude Earthquake in Iran

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.

Read More at NDTV

UK on Heatwave Alert at 26°C, Netizens Ask ‘How Did They Survive Ruling India?’

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.

Read More at Mint

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