Extreme weather events are gripping the globe, from scorching global heatwave to deadly conditions affecting millions across continents.
In the United States, a severe heatwave is tormenting the upper Midwest and northeast, with one in five Americans now at risk, as per BBC. The National Weather Service predicts record high temperatures across the eastern Great Lakes and mid-Atlantic, prompting health alerts and emergency cooling centers in New York City. In nearby Arizona and New Mexico, intense heat has fueled wildfires, claiming lives and homes amidst efforts to contain the infernos amid flash floods.
Meanwhile, Europe is sizzling under unprecedented temperatures. Serbia, Romania, and Greece are experiencing their first heatwave of the season, pushing temperatures to dangerous levels exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. In Greece, tragic incidents involving tourists have underscored the hazards of extreme heat, prompting red weather alerts and urgent health advisories.
In South Asia, particularly India, the situation remains dire. Northern and Eastern parts continue to endure scorching temperatures, with reports of over 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases and more than 100 fatalities. Delhi, reeling under a prolonged heatwave, recorded its warmest night in over five decades, exacerbating water shortages and power outages.
Saudi Arabia, hosting the Hajj pilgrimage, has faced staggering casualties due to intense heat, with temperatures soaring above 50 degrees Celsius. Over 1,000 deaths have been reported, emphasizing the severe challenges posed by climate conditions during this religious event.
Amidst these crises, experts from the World Weather Attribution warn that man-made climate change is exacerbating heatwaves globally, making them more frequent and severe. They urge immediate action to curb emissions and mitigate the escalating impacts of extreme weather events worldwide.
As nations grapple with these unprecedented challenges, the urgency to address climate change becomes increasingly critical to safeguard vulnerable populations and ecosystems from the devastating effects of extreme global heatwave.