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.
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.
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.
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.