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Speaking Of Asia
Heed warning signs on climate as heat rises
South Asia’s heatwaves are not distant thunder; South-east Asia must worry too.
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South Asians are used to blazing hot weather in May and June, as they await the life-giving south-west monsoon.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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In March, parts of the Indian subcontinent recorded 33.1 deg C, the highest average maximum temperature in 122 years and a full 2 deg C warmer than the average maximum for the month between the three decades from 1981 to 2010. The following month it got worse.
The average maximum temperature for north-west and central India in April was the highest since records began to be kept from 1901, reaching 35.9 deg C and 37.78 deg C respectively, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). New Delhi saw seven consecutive days of over 40 deg C, three degrees above the average temperature for April.
