India braces for more heat after temperature breaks records
May 24, 2016 08:03
As temperatures in parts of the western region breached 50 Celsius last week, India is bracing for another bout of extreme heat.
"There are usually thunderstorms this time of year, but these rains have not been occurring," said BP Yadav, head of India Meteorological Department.
"Hot winds have been blowing in from Afghanistan and Pakistan, leading to these extreme temperatures," Yadav told Reuters.
The mercury hit a record 51 degrees Celsius last week in Phalodi, Rajasthan, beating a previous national high of 50.6 degrees in 1956.
The heat should ease with the arrival of clouds and light showers this week, Yadav said, but his office forecast a return to elevated temperatures in late May or early June.
Possible reasons for the rising temperatures ranged from global warming to greater urbanisation, leading to taller buildings and increased pollution, Yadav added.
Meanwhile, as many as 315 heat wave-related deaths have been reported in Telangana since the beginning of the summer season till May 21, according to officials of the state Disaster Management department.
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances