• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. India recently recorded 19 of 20 global hottest locations.
  2. Extreme heatwave is affecting Rajasthan, UP, MP, crossing 40°C.
  3. Climate change, methane leaks are driving global temperature rise.

Summers have just begun in India and temperatures are already rising rapidly across the country with most northwestern states experiencing the heatwave. Recently, India emerged as the world's heat hotspot, with 19 of the 20 hottest locations globally recorded within the country, according to data released by AQI.in. The findings highlighted India as one of the most affected regions during extreme heat events, raising concerns.

India Faces Extreme Heatwave

Multiple states such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh are facing extreme heatwaves in India. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) report, temperatures in some areas have crossed 40 degrees celsius and occasionally reached the mid-40s in April itself. However, extreme heat is not limited to India. In recent years, the world has been experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves.

Many countries are seeing temperatures rise beyond normal seasonal levels, causing health risks, water shortages, and stress on infrastructure, while other regions are experiencing unusual heat patterns. East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea, have also experienced record-breaking summer heat. Europe, especially Western and Southern Europe, continues to face extreme summer temperatures in recent years.

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What’s Driving The Heat?

The main reason for rising extreme heat is climate change caused by human activities, especially greenhouse gas emissions. This traps more heat in the atmosphere. Other factors include warming oceans, which change weather patterns, and weaker cooling effects from phenomena like La Nina or shifts in monsoon patterns. In cities, the “urban heat island” effect, which is caused by concrete buildings, roads, and less greenery, also makes temperatures higher.

 

Is Mega-Leaks Of Methane Triggering Global Heating?

While there are many factors behind rising heat, some reports suggest the world’s largest methane “mega-leaks” from oil, gas, and landfill sites, effectively adding to global warming. These leaks release extremely high amounts of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that strongly warms the climate. According to a Guardian report, citing findings of the Stop Methane Project at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), many of the biggest leaks were found in Turkmenistan.

The largest leak detected in the United States was in Texas, releasing about 5.5 tonnes of methane per hour. Other countries with major leaks included Venezuela and Iran. Researchers identified more than 4,000 methane plumes worldwide using satellite instruments in 2025. According to scientists, each of the worst leaks has a climate impact like a coal-fired power plant. They added that methane causes about 25 per cent of current global warming and has increased sharply since 2007

Overall, extreme heat is becoming a global issue. Scientists warn that without strong climate action, heatwaves are likely to become more frequent and dangerous in the coming years.

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