Seen a bunch of unnecessary fear mongering and engagement farming with "
#India is the hottest place on Earth, record breaking heatwaves" etc etc.. by major handles
HERE'S THE TRUTH -
#Facts
1) Maximums of 44-47°C across Vidarbha, Northern Indo Gangetic Plains, Central West India is NORMAL and happens every year in late April and May. Climatalogically this is the hottest part of Indian Summer!
Here are some age old Records proving it -
Akola 47° (Apr 2009), 47.8° (May 1947), 47.2°(Jun 1923)
Prayagraj 46.6° (Apr 1999), 48.4° (May 1994)
Banda 46.7° (Apr 1979), 48.6°(May 1994)
Delhi 45.6°(Apr 1941), 47.2°(May 1944)
Barmer 48.3° (Apr 1984), 49.9° (May 1995)
Nandurbar 45.6° (Apr 1958), 46° May 1960)
Nagpur 47.1 (Apr 2009), 47.7° (May 1954)
Ahmedabad 46.2° (Apr 1958), 48° (May 2016)
Surendranagar 45.1°(Apr 1958), 46.6°(May 1955)
Deesa 46.3° (Apr 1958), 49.4°(May 1932)
2) 6-10 Heatwave days during Apr-Jun are normal, with around 2-3 days every month on average.
3) Seasonal averages (Normal Summer Max) in this belt are 42-44°C.
A heatwave is Officially defined only when temperatures in these regions breach 45°C or the departure is more than 4.5°C above average.
4) TAKE HOME MESSAGES : Temperatures of 45 or higher have been seen since 100 years ago, not a new phenomenon.
Seasonal occurrence, Indian Subcontinent is the Hottest place on the planet every year between April and May and this Heat is essential to create the pressure gradient to pull the Summer Monsoon, while the rest of the world experiences the heat later in June and July!
Yes, the climate has warmed, but the impacts are more pronounced with warmer nights and increased humidity
Yes, new ATRs have been as recent as 2026, but old records still stand.