Warnings have been issued about heat waves as temperatures soar across India this week, increasing the risk of blackouts and potentially exposing millions of people to heat exhaustion or deadly heat stroke. On Tuesday, the maximum temperature in Prayagraj and Jharsuguda exceeded 44C (111F), while many other areas remained about 5C above normal. Heat wave conditions are expected to persist over parts of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh states on Wednesday before easing in some places later this week, according to the India Meteorological Department. Meanwhile, other regions of Asia are also experiencing heat waves this week, putting pressure on power grids and driving up the demand for fossil fuels. Thailand and Bangladesh have seen a surge in temperatures, while China’s Yunnan province is struggling with a drought. India is preparing for a potentially hotter summer than usual, with increased attention on the weather following a punishing heat wave in 2022 that caused widespread human suffering and affected global wheat supplies. Concerns have also been raised about power failures as people turn up their air conditioners, putting a strain on the grid.
When humidity is added to high temperatures, it can become extremely hazardous and even fatal. In India, where a majority of the 1.4 billion population work outdoors without protection, the situation is particularly concerning. Each year, numerous construction workers, hawkers, and rickshaw pullers die during the summer months as they lack the resources to cope with the heat. This has resulted in the nation experiencing the highest rate of heat-related labor losses globally.
According to the Times of India, at least 11 individuals passed away from dehydration, and many more required medical assistance for heat stroke on Sunday. The incident occurred in Maharashtra, where individuals sat under the blazing sun for extended periods during a government-sponsored event. To safeguard against heat-related health issues, authorities have urged people to stay hydrated and be cautious of their well-being. The weather office has recommended individuals to avoid exposure to the heat, wear lightweight, loose-fitting cotton clothes, and cover their heads. In response to extreme heat conditions, West Bengal’s eastern state has ordered all educational institutions to close this week to protect children. Similarly, in some other provinces, school hours have been shortened.
