From Global Warming to Global Boiling : Earth’s Alarming Temperature Trends: Delhi At 52.9, Iran Airport At 66 Degrees Celsius

In recent years, the world has been grappling with increasingly severe weather events, underscoring the urgent need to address climate change. Notably, the extreme heatwaves in various parts of the globe, including India’s capital Delhi and Iran, have highlighted the critical situation. Delhi recently recorded a staggering temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius, the highest ever in India. Meanwhile, Iran experienced an unprecedented heat index of 66 degrees Celsius at the Persian Gulf International Airport in July last year. These instances reflect a significant shift in Earth’s climate, causing widespread concern among environmentalists.

Understanding Heat Index

The heat index, often referred to as the “feels-like” temperature, combines air temperature and relative humidity to estimate the perceived temperature by humans. High humidity levels hinder the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating, making the heat feel more intense. A heat index of 66 degrees Celsius is life-threatening, far exceeding the human body’s capacity to endure such conditions for prolonged periods.

Delhi’s Record-Breaking Heat

According to Kuldeep Srivastava, regional head of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the unprecedented temperature in Delhi was exacerbated by hot winds from Rajasthan. “Parts of Delhi are particularly susceptible to the early arrival of these hot winds, worsening the already severe weather. Areas like Mungeshpur, Narela, and Najafgarh are the first to experience the full force of these hot winds,” Srivastava explained. Mungeshpur in northwest Delhi recorded the highest temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius. Mahesh Palawat from Skymet Weather noted that open areas with vacant land experience increased radiation, leading to exceptionally high temperatures due to direct sunlight and lack of shade.

Iran’s Airport Heat Index:

• • In July last year, Iran’s Persian Gulf International Airport experienced an extraordinary heat index due to a rare combination of extremely high temperature and abundant atmospheric moisture. The heat index reached an unprecedented 66.7 degrees Celsius (152 degrees Fahrenheit) according to Colin McCarthy from US Stormwatch.
  • Such extreme heat can have devastating impacts on human health, including dehydration, blood thickening, and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

1. Global Warming:

   • Definition: Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the release of greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide and methane) from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
   • Consequences: Rising temperatures lead to melting glaciers, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems.

2. Global Boiling:

   • Definition: Global boiling emphasizes the intensity and severity of the temperature rise, suggesting a more urgent need for action. It signifies a situation where the Earth’s climate system is under immense stress.
   • Key Points:
     • July 2023 was declared the warmest on record, with wildfires raging across Southern Europe and North Africa.
     • Ocean temperatures are also at their highest-ever recorded levels for this time of year.
     • The trend of warming has been consistent since the 1970s, with the eight warmest years occurring between 2015 and 2022.
     • The recent shift from the cooling La Niña to the warming El Niño effect increases the likelihood that one of the next five years will be the warmest on record.
     • It is also probable that global average temperatures will temporarily exceed the 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels.

Impacts and Urgent Need for Action

The impacts of extreme heat on human health, agriculture, and infrastructure are profound. To mitigate these effects, it is imperative to implement adaptive strategies and strengthen global efforts to combat climate change. Governments and organizations must prioritize the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy sources, and develop sustainable practices to curb the rise in global temperatures.