India Faces Deadly Heat Wave as World Prepares for El Niño

India is facing one of its worst heat waves in recent years. Temperatures have climbed above 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in many parts of the country. The extreme heat started earlier than usual this year, catching many people unprepared. Daily life has been severely disrupted as people struggle to cope with the dangerous conditions.

The heat wave has forced major changes in how people live and work. Afternoon markets that are usually busy have become empty because it's too hot for shopping. Farmers have switched to working at night when temperatures are cooler. Many schools have been forced to close their doors because classrooms are too hot for students and teachers.

Health experts are very concerned about the effects of this heat wave. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan explained that the temperatures have been so extreme that even nighttime doesn't bring relief. She noted that each year, India's heat waves are getting hotter and lasting longer. Cities are experiencing the worst effects because concrete and buildings trap heat.

The United Nations has issued a serious warning about what's coming next. They predict that El Niño, a major weather pattern, will develop this year with 90 percent certainty. This could make extreme weather events even worse around the world. UN officials are calling this an urgent climate crisis that requires immediate action.