Scorching Heatwave Kills At Least 9 in India as Temperature Nears 50 Degrees

Author: Pradhnya Anindya Dewanti
May 26, 2024

Scorching Heatwave Kills At Least 9 in India as Temperature Nears 50 Degrees. (Photo: AP)

SEAToday.com, New Delhi - At least nine people have died of suspected heat-related causes in India’s western state of Rajasthan, Friday (5/25).

On Thursday, temperatures surpassed 45 degrees Celcius in many states, including Barmer city, Rajasthan, that reached even 48.8 degrees Celcius. India’s weather department had predicted that the temperatures were likely to soar in the coming days.

The heat has become a concern as the country is set to hold its latest round of seven-phase general election next week. The capital of New Delhi is to vote on Saturday in temperatures forecasted to be around 45 degrees Celsius.

India’s summer temperature often peaks in May. But, this year, scientists predicted longer days of heatwave largely due to fewer non-monsoon showers and active El Nino phenomenon.