Extreme Heat and Heatwave testing everyone across most of India

@ptrikha_2 (47085)
India
May 20, 2024 11:10am CST
May to July are the months of extreme heat across most of India. However, this year, large parts of India are having temperatures above 42 C - in fact nearly 46 to 47 C - so 1 to 3 C above normal. It is a heatwave coupled with dangerous and dehydrating dry winds called as "Loo". It feels like a Desert outside. People with means do manage to keep themselves hydrated. Yet those exposed to high heat and not so sufficient means can suffer. They are more exposed to heat stroke and dehydration. State and Central Governments are doing arrangements to tackle the situation and response is better than what it was some 8 to 10 years back. Yet much more needs to be done Some reports point to cutting of many shade providing trees for more cultivable land in many parts of India. And now people are bearing the consequences.... Will all of us do something!! A big question!
9 people like this
11 responses
@snowy22315 (182344)
• United States
20 May
You poor people. I could not live like that.
3 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (47085)
• India
20 May
@snowy22315 Our electricity bills are up to a big extent. Air conditioning is a must. Yet life is so tough for those who have to live without air conditioning.
2 people like this
@HaruLoid (1588)
• Philippines
21 May
Currently, we are at 33 degrees celsius this morning. Hopefully, the heat index won't go higher.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (47085)
• India
22 May
@HaruLoid What's the maximum temperature that you have experienced in the last few years?
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (47085)
• India
23 May
@HaruLoid Oh ! That's way too high ! Do you live near a Desert area?
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (47085)
• India
24 May
@HaruLoid Then it would be also under the threat of Rising sea level Floods risk.
1 person likes this
@youless (112586)
• Guangzhou, China
21 May
This is a very high temperature, especially it is just May now. The temperature can be higher in July and August. Here due to the rain lately, the temperature is nice and it is about 23 centigrades now.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (47085)
• India
22 May
@youless Do any of your cities got record breaking high temperatures this year?
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (47085)
• India
24 May
@youless Yes such weather phenomenon are also a result of Climate change.
2 people like this
22 May
In calcutta it is raining but there is heavy humidity so it is reducing the heat
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (47085)
• India
22 May
@sathviksouvik The heat in Kolkata (Calcutta) is of a higher humidity on an average than Delhi and surroundings. However one day it recorded a peak of 43 C plus. It must have been very terrible then.
1 person likes this
@GooglePlus (3830)
20 May
We had rain for 2 days then she left us for last 8 days now. I can't sleep at night even when I have two fans on ( one ceiling fan and another one is table fan) I usually avoid going out after 11am and stay inside office till 5pm.post that I will take tea break.
2 people like this
@arunima25 (87854)
• Bangalore, India
20 May
Live consciously. Make choices that would help protect environment. Be it saving electricity, reducing pollution, planting trees, saving water, no to plastic, eco friendly purchase and life choices...there is a long list and every small step counts. Wish that we are more thoughtful and responsible with all the choices that we make.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (47085)
• India
20 May
@arunima25 Yes many of us know what to do but don't take even small steps!
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (47085)
• India
22 May
@arunima25 I think we can do more in water conservation. I see some parks where kids are not allowed to play cricket or Football. Yet they have more of the plants and less trees. One can give recommendations to the management but often things are not implemented on the ground. I hope that someday we see a big pro environment movement all over India.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (47085)
• India
23 May
@arunima25 Such issues are never the talk of elections - they should be. Plus Centre and State Governments need to bury their differences and work on Climate change mitigation.
1 person likes this
@popciclecold (39533)
• United States
20 May
Wow, cutting the shade trees, that sounds awful. Trees helps a lot. Sure hate to hear that.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (71908)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
20 May
Well, you can always plant a tree.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (47085)
• India
20 May
@kaylachan Yet what about those Thousands of trees cut in the name of Infrastructure and development?
1 person likes this
@just4him (317277)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
21 May
Cutting trees is not the answer. I'm sorry it's so hot across India.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (47085)
• India
22 May
@just4him There has to be a balance between Ecology and Development. Yet the way things are going not only in India but also elsewhere, things do not look good for the whole planet.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (342260)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 May
Living for extended periods in those conditions would be awful. People seem intent on getting rid of more and more trees.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (47085)
• India
22 May
@JudyEv Yes and in many places, Trees are cut and new trees grown in alternate locations often to get Carbon Offset points. Yet, new saplings take time to grow. A newly growing tree cannot provide as much shade as an old tree which gives more shade.
2 people like this
@Kandae11 (55175)
20 May
What about those who have to work in the heat.?
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (47085)
• India
20 May
@Kandae11 Some employers ask their employees to take a break from 12 pm to 4 pm ( sort of afternoon siesta). Some work early, some late in the night. Yet many in the informal sector suffer. Their life is so tough.
1 person likes this