Why is it so hot in India now?

Here is a look at what caused the unprecedented heat in the country.

While every year temperatures in India tend to peak in the months of May and June, the number of heatwave days recorded over northwestern and eastern parts of the country this season have been more than double the normal, with eastern India also experiencing its hottest April on record.

India declares a heatwave day when the maximum temperature in any given region is 4.5 -6.4 degrees Celsius higher than normal.

Parts of the country have touched new highs in terms of the maximum temperature, including Delhi, which recorded the country’s highest ever temperature at 52.9 degrees (127.22 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday.

While this figure may be revised as officials are investigating whether it was caused by an error in the sensor, two areas in Delhi also recorded 49.9 degrees a day earlier – an all-time high for the city.

In northern Haryana state, which surrounds Delhi from three sides, the Rohtak region recorded its highest-ever temperature on Friday at 47.5 degrees.

Scientists from India’s weather department said that while a rise in temperatures during May and June is normal, it is usually controlled by periodic western disturbances, which are weather systems originating in the Mediterranean Sea that bring moisture-laden winds.

This year, however, there were more western disturbances between March and early May than usual, while their strength has reduced over the last “10-15 days”, leaving the wind coming from neighbouring countries unchecked and causing temperatures to rise.

Global and India-based experts say such weather changes are being worsened by human-driven climate change.

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