DECRYPTION – The region is one of those where the frequency of heat waves has increased the most over the past forty years.
A record heat wave is hitting India and its surroundings, with nearly 46°C in Delhi, 48°C in Rajasthan (northwest) this Thursday, April 28, and 48°C also expected in Pakistan. These heat records are already having disastrous effects on site, causing major power cuts, fires in waste areas and water shortages.
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Especially since this wave has already lasted almost two months. March was thus the hottest month ever recorded in some fifteen Indian states, with 9°C warmer than the average. In April, eight days of heat wave have already been counted, with peaks at 43-45°C, 5-7°C higher than normal. The new heat wave promises to be even more trying in May.
In neighboring Pakistan, temperatures are expected to be 8 degrees above normal in parts of the country. March was even the hottest on record since 1961, according to Pakistan’s meteorological office. A heat wave of an intensity…