Heatwave in South Asia takes temperature to "extremely dangerous" level: study

New Delhi: South Asia and Southeast Asia have been recording record-breaking temperature levels since April. Most countries are consistently reporting temperatures well above 40°C. Experts say that such recurring heatwaves were made 30 times more likely by human-induced climate change.

A report 'Rapid Attribution Analysis' by an international team of scientists at the World Weather Attribution Group highlighted that many cities in India are likely to face a maximum temperature that is 7-8 degrees hotter than the current levels. The threshold considered "dangerous" is 41°C for most of South Asia. Some parts of the region even got close to 54°C which is categorised as "extremely dangerous".

It is tough for the human body temperature to be maintained when the surroundings are close to 54°C.

"At the same time, a heatwave with a chance of occurrence of 20% (1 in 5 years) in any given year over India and Bangladesh is now about 2 degrees Celsius hotter in heat index than it would be in a climate not warmed by human activities," said the report.

This fits with the pattern observed in the region. Bangladesh this summer has recorded its highest temperature in 50 years. Thailand hit 45°C and Laos crossed 42°C. According to the report, heat and humidity levels in Southeast Asian countries were at least 2°C hotter due to climate change.

With further warming of the planet, this trend will continue and such humid heat events can be expected every 1-2 years.