July 2024 marked the second-hottest July in history. It also ended the 13-month streak of global heat records, as every month from June 2023 to June 2024, new temperature records were set, the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) stated on Wednesday.
As India goes through another gruelling summer, it becomes increasingly evident that the nation’s cities have become perilous “heat traps,” exacerbated by unbalanced urban development and climate change.
The severe heat waves and high humidity in Bihar claimed 22 lives in the last 24 hours, officials said on Monday.
Uttar Pradesh is experiencing extreme heatwave conditions forcing the state government to take several measures, including delaying the reopening of schools after summer vacations.
Mungeshpur sizzles at 49.6 deg C
As the mercury crosses 40 degree mark in the city and several south Bengal districts, the state health department directed government hospitals to set up heatstroke management units across the state.
With the sun beating down mercilessly, propelling mercury to touch 40 degrees Celsius in some of the districts in south Bengal, the state school education department, taking no chances, has brought forward the summer vacation from the date announced earlier.
According to reports, most parts of the country are likely to experience higher temperatures than usual during this summer, especially the Central and northwestern parts of Uttar Pradesh.
The Union Health Minister also advised senior officials to meet with states for better coordination and understanding.
Citizens of Kolkata are likely to feel the blistering heat for the next few days.
