India records its hottest temperature ever – 51 °C (123.8 °F)

India records its hottest temperature ever – 51 °C (123.8 °F)

The city of Phalodi, in India's Rajasthan, has set a new temperature record for the entire country hitting a scorching 51 °C (123.8 °F) on May 19, 2016. According to the IMD, the previous high was 50.6 °C (123 °F), reached in 1956 in the city of…

Record-breaking heat wave sparks fires across Israel

Record-breaking heat wave sparks fires across Israel

A fierce heatwave accompanied by strong and dusty winds is spreading across Israel. According to media reports, more than 370 people were treated for heat-related conditions, including fainting, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke on May 14 and 15, 2016. Eilat in the…

Heat wave firmly grips India, 340 people dead

Heat wave firmly grips India, 340 people dead

The intense heat wave in India is holding a firm grip on the region since April 2016. At least 340 people have died so far, 102 of which in May only. Temperatures have locally risen above 45°C (113 °F), according to media reports, and a significant drop is…

Thailand suffers strongest heat wave in last 65 years

Thailand suffers strongest heat wave in last 65 years

Thailand is currently experiencing its longest heat wave in the last 65 years as average April temperatures climbed over 40 °C (104 °F). So far, 21 people died of heat-related conditions. Residents are strongly advised to remain indoors as much as possible…

330 million affected by severe drought and water shortage across India

330 million affected by severe drought and water shortage across India

Southern and Eastern India are struggling with the consequences of severe drought caused by an early season heat wave and the lack of relief from monsoon rain. Dangerously high temperatures have so far claimed over 160 lives while 330 million people are affected by…

Early-season heat wave sweeping across India, 66 deaths by April 6

Early-season heat wave sweeping across India, 66 deaths by April 6

An early-season heat wave is sweeping across India and the unbearable hot weather has already claimed lives of 66 people. Deadly heatwave in May 2015 claimed almost 2 500 lives across the country, most of them in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, but 2016 begun smashing…

A spell of unseasonably warm weather in Japan

A spell of unseasonably warm weather in Japan

Parts of central and western Japan experienced a spell of spring-like weather over the weekend of February 13, 2016. Warm conditions, usually observed in July, were reported across the affected area, accompanied by heavy rainfall and strong winds. A warm air mass,…

Persistent drought threatens South Africa’s food supplies

Persistent drought threatens South Africa’s food supplies

Record high temperatures were recorded in Johannesburg, South Africa on January 7, 2016. The region has been facing persistent drought conditions and related food shortage since December 2015 when the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) issued an alert…

Severe heatwave conditions spark fires across southern Australia

Severe heatwave conditions spark fires across southern Australia

Severe to extreme heat conditions have wrapped southern Australia as a hot air mass settled across the region since December 17, 2015. A number of fires have wreaked havoc across the affected areas and firefighters struggle to contain them. Extremely hot conditions…