• In the weeks leading up to June 2024, India has been hit by a massive Heat wave with temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celcius in the Delhi capital.
  • Heat waves occur when trapped air in the earth’s atmosphere warms to uncharacteristic temperatures due to sunlight. 
  • As of 2017, according to the World Health Organisation, more than 166,000 people had died as a result of Heat waves, with 70,000 of those dying in Europe’s Heat wave of 2003.
In the weeks leading up to June 2024, India has been hit by a massive Heat wave with temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celcius in the Delhi capital. Fifty six people have lost their lives and over 25,000 cases of Heat strokes have been reported according to government data. But what makes a Heat wave so deadly?

To understand the anatomy of a Heat wave, there’s need first to understand what a Heat wave is. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) defines a Heat wave as a period where excess local heat accumulates into a sequence of unusually hot days and nights. But what causes a Heat wave?

Heat waves, which are increasingly being classified as climatic events, occur when trapped air in the earth’s atmosphere warms to uncharacteristic temperatures due to sunlight.

Trapped air in the atmosphere results from high pressure acting on the earth’s surface. The high pressure makes it difficult for storm clouds to rise and cool the air, forming a Heat wave.

Heat waves are deadly to humans, plants, animals, and even economies as they are associated with the risk of wildfires. As of 2017, according to the World Health Organisation, more than 166,000 people had died as a result of Heat waves, with 70,000 of those dying in Europe’s Heat wave of 2003.

India’s Heat wave has paralyzed operations, with citizens saying it is difficult to even stand outside. The country’s power demand has soared with increasing demand for air conditioning, coolers and ceiling fans to keep away the heat.

Water shortage has also rocked India’s supply with the government penalizing those found wasting water by washing their cars or letting their tanks overflow.

Green house gases such as CO2 have been attributed to cause Heat waves as they form a blanket over the earth’s atmosphere, trapping hot air and absorbing heat.