Unprecedented high temperatures in 2024 have triggered lethal heatwaves, floods, and wildfires across countries such as India, China, the United States, Mexico, and Greece. With record-breaking temperatures and devastating consequences, urgent action is essential to combat the escalating impact of climate change.
Global Heatwave Amplifies Catastrophic Weather Events
In 2024, the world is experiencing unprecedented high temperatures, making it potentially the hottest year on record. The intense heat is linked to a powerful El Niño event coupled with ongoing global warming. Below are key instances of extreme weather and its impact around the globe:
India: The country has seen lethal heatwaves claiming over 100 lives in three and a half months. In Uttar Pradesh, 33 polling workers died in June amid 116°F temperatures. Many citizens, working in heat-exposed environments, face severe conditions without adequate cooling resources.
China: Heat, drought, and floods are impacting agriculture and energy supplies. Northern China endured 104°F, while the south faced record rains causing extensive flooding and evacuations. Yunnan province suffers its worst drought in 60 years, affecting grain and hydropower supplies.
United States: The Midwest faced torrential rains in May, resulting in floods that destroyed infrastructure and displaced residents. South Dakota and Iowa declared emergencies after floods submerged homes and overpowered defenses.
Mexico: A heat dome caused by a high-pressure system led to at least 125 deaths, with temperatures reaching 125°F in Sonoran Desert. Dead wildlife and hospitalized residents highlight the severity of this heatwave.
Chile: Torrential rains caused catastrophic flooding in June, damaging homes and leading to power outages. Coupled with an earlier cold snap and deadly wildfires exacerbated by rising temperatures, the country faces severe climatic disruptions.
East Coast USA: Cities like Washington D.C. and Baltimore encountered record-breaking temperatures, exceeding 100°F. Cooling centers were activated to help residents cope with the heat.
Greece: Deadly heatwave with temperatures hitting 111°F led to nearly a dozen hiker deaths and numerous wildfires, indicating increasing heat-related dangers in the region.
Saudi Arabia: During the Hajj pilgrimage, 1,301 visitors died amid record 125°F heat. Many of the deceased were unlicensed pilgrims without adequate shelter.
Caribbean: Hurricane Beryl, unprecedented in strength for early in the season, caused six deaths and widespread destruction, suggesting more severe tropical storms ahead.
California: The state is experiencing intense heat with temperatures potentially reaching 117°F. This has exacerbated wildfires, including the Thompson Fire, which triggered evacuations and destroyed property.
As the world grapples with these climatic extremes, significant disruptions in daily life, agriculture, and infrastructure highlight the urgent need for adaptive measures to manage such unprecedented weather patterns.
