New Delhi: The head of India's Meteorological Department (IMD) warned people that the heat wave occurring in the country now is the ‘longest ever’ spell, news agency AFP reported.
"This has been the longest spell because it has been experienced for about 24 days in different parts of the country," Mrutyunjay Mohapatra was quoted as saying.
Most parts of northern India have been under scorching heat since mid-May, reporting temperatures over 45 degrees.
With moon rains moving north this month, heat is expected come down but Mohapatra urges people to prepare for the worst that will follow.
"Heatwaves will be more frequent, durable and intense, if precautionary or preventive measures are not taken," he was quoted as saying.
Though India is the worlds’ third biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, the country plans to achieve a ‘net zero emissions economy by 2070’.
India is currently relying greatly on coal for generating power.
"Human activities, increasing population, industrialisation and transport mechanisms are leading to increased concentration of carbon monoxide, methane and chlorocarbons," Mohapatra reportedly said.
Studies link climate change to heat waves becoming longer, more intense and frequent.
The latest heat wave in Delhi touched the city’s previous record high of 49.2C recorded in 2022.
Meanwhile, a weather station in the Delhi suburb of Mungeshpur marked a high of 52.9C on May 29. But it was later found that the sensor at the station was faulty.