The International air-quality monitoring platform AQI recorded that the top 70 hottest cities in the world were all in India on Wednesday afternoon – Image: Mukesh Gupta/AFP

Heatstroke has killed at least 16 people in southern Telangana state, and Prime Minister Modi has said Indians must heed warning signs. The heat wave has also sparked forest fires in the north.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week urged people to take precautions and stay vigilant against heat-related illnesses, amid “soaring temperatures.”

“This heat is harsh on all of us and I urge you all to take as many precautions as possible. Please stay hydrated, keep water with you when stepping out. Offer a glass of water to others,” he said in the first of a series of posts, adding that “kindness goes a long way.”

In another post on X, he warned Indians to watch out for the symptoms of heatstroke.

“Watch for signs of heat exhaustion like dizziness, nausea or extreme fatigue. If someone around you feels unusually unwell, weak or develops a headache, it is best to help move them to a cool and shaded place immediately. Ensure they get water, ORS etc. that helps them,” Modi said.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi – For Indians, the immediate impact of global warming is clear as the day – Image: Debajyoti Chakraborty/NurPhoto/picture alliance

He reminded the nation that children, the elderly, and those working outdoors were especially vulnerable to the extreme heat.

Modi’s social media posts come at least a week after large parts of India began facing a continued heat wave. While that is common over Indian summers, weather experts had previously warned that 2026 is likely to see a strong El Nino phenomenon, which will only make matters worse.

Indian media is reporting cases of water shortages in several cities and villages. Meanwhile, at least 16 people have died in the southern state of Telangana amid hundreds of reported cases of heat stroke across the country.

Maximum temperatures have been at about 47 degrees Celsius (116 degrees Fahrenheit) in several regions, making conditions extreme for gig workers, construction laborers, and service providers who depend on daily wages.

The Indian premier also reminded citizens to leave out water for birds and animals.

“Let us also remember the birds and animals around us. A small bowl of water kept outside your home, balconies, terraces, shops or offices can become a lifeline for a thirsty bird. May compassion guide us in these difficult days,” he said.

According to the air quality and weather-tracking website AQI.IN, the top 70 of the world’s hottest cities were in India on Wednesday afternoon.

Hospitals are reporting admissions of patients with symptoms of heatstroke – Image: Rajesh Kumar Singh/AP Photo/picture alliance

UN: Earth on track for record heat over next 5 years

Meteorologists predict a high chance that global average temperatures could reach record levels between 2026-2030.

The United Nations warned Thursday that in the next five years, global average temperatures could reach record levels.

According to a new World Meteorological Organization report, average annual temperatures over the years 2026-2030 could range from 1.3 C to 1.9 degrees Celsius above the 1850-1900 average.

What else does the report say?

The report stated that there was a 75% chance that global average temperatures will surpass 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above the 1850–1900 average.

The threshold is the agreed-upon long-term warming limit set in 2015 by the Paris climate agreement.

Scientists, however, believe the chances of global average temperatures exceeding 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels were “exceptionally unlikely.”

Global average temperatures are likely to continue at or near record levels this year and for the next four years, the UN says – Image: Arvind Yadav/Hindustan Times/picture alliance / Sipa USA

It has also been predicted that the 2024 warm year record was ‘likely’ to be surpassed.

“It is likely (86% chance) that one year between 2026 and 2030 will surpass 2024 as the warmest year on record,” the WMO report stated.

Arctic temperatures over the next five winters have also been predicted to be 2.8°C above average temperatures for 1991-2020.

Northern Europe could see some very wet winters over the next five years, which is one of the key climate hazards for the region, bringing with it the risk of flooding.

DW.com/NAN 29-05-26

You may also find interesting: