India experiences extreme heatwave with record-breaking temperatures

India is facing a severe heatwave, with Delhi experiencing temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius, causing widespread water shortages and disruptions.

Sophie Kiderlin reports for CNBC.

In short:

• Delhi and other regions in India are experiencing near-record high temperatures, with some areas reporting up to 52.9 degrees Celsius.
• The heatwave has led to a water crisis in Delhi, prompting authorities to ration water supplies and implement measures to cool the city.
• The heatwave has caused the first heat-related death of the year and significantly increased power demand.

Why this matters:

Environmental experts link this extreme weather event to broader patterns of climate change, which are making heatwaves more frequent and intense.

Farmers in rural areas are particularly vulnerable, as the heat threatens crops and livestock, jeopardizing food security. Urban residents, meanwhile, are contending with the urban heat island effect, which makes cities like Delhi even hotter than surrounding rural areas due to concrete and asphalt absorbing and re-radiating heat.