2020 is on course to become one of three hottest years ever recorded in human history, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

Since records began in 1850, the last six years leading upto 2020 have been the warmest, and 2020 is expected to break 2016’s mercury record, as highlighted in the 2020 State of the Global Climate report.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/according-to-experts-climate-change-is-responsible-for-wildfires-in-us-know-the-science-behind-it-328290/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"2020 has, unfortunately, been yet another extraordinary year for our climate," said Petteri Taalas, WMO secretary-general.

The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change intends to cap global warming below the two degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level, which refers to the time period between 1850-1900. Additionally, countries are pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 C.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/climate-change-is-making-winter-ice-more-dangerous-344406" hreflang="en">Climate change is making winter ice more dangerous</a>

"The average global temperature in 2020 is set to be about 1.2 C above the pre-industrial level," Taalas said. "There is at least a one in five chance of it temporarily exceeding 1.5 C by 2024”, he WMO secretary-general added.

Even though 2020 is set to become the hottest year ever, it could change due to the minor difference among the hottest 3 years.&nbsp;

One all of the data is in, the course could change. In essence, the years between 2015-2020 are "likely to be the six warmest on record", according to the report. Taalas added that 2020 “saw new extreme temperatures on land, sea and especially in the Arctic”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/93-brazilians-91-indians-perceive-climate-change-as-severe-survey-reveals-343883" hreflang="en">93% Brazilians, 91% Indians perceive climate change as severe, survey reveals</a>

"Wildfires consumed vast areas in Australia, Siberia, the US West Coast and South America, sending plumes of smoke circumnavigating the globe", the report added.

"Flooding in parts of Africa and southeast Asia led to massive population displacement and undermined food security for millions."

2020 is on course to become one of three hottest years ever recorded in human history, the United Nations said on Wednesday. Since records began in 1850, the last six years leading upto 2020 have been the warmest, and 2020 is expected to break 2016’s mercury record, as highlighted in the 2020 State of the Global Climate report.

2020 is on course to become one of three hottest years ever recorded in human history, the United Nations said on Wednesday. Since records began in 1850, the last six years leading upto 2020 have been the warmest, and 2020 is expected to break 2016’s mercury record, as highlighted in the 2020 State of the Global Climate report. "2020 has, unfortunately, been yet another extraordinary year for our climate," said Petteri Taalas, WMO secretary-general. The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change intends to cap global warming below the two degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level, which refers to the time period between 1850-1900. Additionally, countries are pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 C. Also read: Climate change is making winter ice more dangerous "The average global temperature in 2020 is set to be about 1.2 C above the pre-industrial level," Taalas said. "There is at least a one in five chance of it temporarily exceeding 1.5 C by 2024”, he WMO secretary-general added. Even though 2020 is set to become the hottest year ever, it could change due to the minor difference among the hottest 3 years. One all of the data is in, the course could change. In essence, the years between 2015-2020 are "likely to be the six warmest on record", according to the report. Taalas added that 2020 “saw new extreme temperatures on land, sea and especially in the Arctic”. Also read: 93% Brazilians, 91% Indians perceive climate change as severe, survey reveals "Wildfires consumed vast areas in Australia, Siberia, the US West Coast and South America, sending plumes of smoke circumnavigating the globe", the report added. "Flooding in parts of Africa and southeast Asia led to massive population displacement and undermined food security for millions."

2020 on course to become hottest year in the history of mankind

As a new study suggests that in 50 years nearly 2 billion to 3.5 billion of the world population will be living in the climate with record temperature that will be too hot to be handle. These people will mostly be poor and cannot afford air conditioning.&nbsp;

According to ecologist Marten Scheffer of Wageningen University in the Netherlands who is also the co-author of the study, the global average annual temperature has been rising by one-degree celsius due to the climate change caused by human activities which will result in such situation.

The number of people could vary on how much does carbon dioxide reduce and the population grows by 2070.

As the world population and carbon pollution are growing on a faster rate the National Academy of Sciences has predicted nearly 3.5 billion people that represent one-third of the global population will live in extremely hot areas by 2070.

International scientists deeply studied humans as they would to bears, birds and bees to understand the "climate niche" where a species flourish. The researchers went 6,000 years back to find a 'sweet spot' of temperatures for humans to habitat and they showed that climate between 11 to 15-degree Celsius is hospitable for the humans to survive.&nbsp;

The humans can live in a less or more temperature that the sweet spot but the farther it goes the harder it gets.&nbsp;

The scientists also looked at places projected where the temperature could be hotter than the sweet spot and they found out that the area constitutes less than 1 per cent of Earth's land and was near the Sahara Desert and includes Mecca, Saudi Arabia where the average temperature is more than 29-degree celsius. Currently 20 million lives in these areas.&nbsp;

But with the growing population and rising temperature, large areas of Africa, Asia, South America and Australia could be in a similar temperature zone.

As a new study suggests that in 50 years nearly 2 billion to 3.5 billion of the world population will be living in the climate with record temperature that will be too hot to be handle.

As a new study suggests that in 50 years nearly 2 billion to 3.5 billion of the world population will be living in the climate with record temperature that will be too hot to be handle. These people will mostly be poor and cannot afford air conditioning. According to ecologist Marten Scheffer of Wageningen University in the Netherlands who is also the co-author of the study, the global average annual temperature has been rising by one-degree celsius due to the climate change caused by human activities which will result in such situation. The number of people could vary on how much does carbon dioxide reduce and the population grows by 2070. As the world population and carbon pollution are growing on a faster rate the National Academy of Sciences has predicted nearly 3.5 billion people that represent one-third of the global population will live in extremely hot areas by 2070. International scientists deeply studied humans as they would to bears, birds and bees to understand the "climate niche" where a species flourish. The researchers went 6,000 years back to find a 'sweet spot' of temperatures for humans to habitat and they showed that climate between 11 to 15-degree Celsius is hospitable for the humans to survive. The humans can live in a less or more temperature that the sweet spot but the farther it goes the harder it gets. The scientists also looked at places projected where the temperature could be hotter than the sweet spot and they found out that the area constitutes less than 1 per cent of Earth's land and was near the Sahara Desert and includes Mecca, Saudi Arabia where the average temperature is more than 29-degree celsius. Currently 20 million lives in these areas. But with the growing population and rising temperature, large areas of Africa, Asia, South America and Australia could be in a similar temperature zone.

More than one-third of global population could reside in deadly hot areas by 2070: Study

Summer is fast-approaching most parts of the world. However, it coincides with one of the biggest pandemics our societies have witnessed: the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

As of figures from today, more than 380,000 cases have been registered worldwide. Additionally, over 16,500 have died. The global tally of the recovered patients so far stands at 100,000.

Will the rise in temperatures across the globe mean a dip in the number of infected cases?

Many Chinese experts claim that high temperature and humidity can significantly reduce the transmission of the virus. The research was undertaken at Beihang and Tsinghua University in China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/has-the-original-epicentre-of-coronavirus-wuhan-really-recovered-288306">Has the original epicentre of coronavirus - Wuhan really recovered?</a>

The focus of the study was 100 Chinese cities. The scientists realised that the transmission rate varied across cities with different weather conditions.

They realised that as the weather became warmer and humid, the rate of transmission fell.

For every degree of rise in temperatures (in Celsius), the rate of transmission fell by 0.0383 points.

Similarly, for every one per cent increase in relative humidity, the transmission rate fell by 0.0224 points.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/study-high-temperature-may-reduce-its-spread-but-wont-kill-coronavirus-covid-19-your-story-288290/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Even though an important development, the rise in temperature is simply not enough to slow down the spread of the virus.

As it turns out, heat weakens all kinds of viruses. The COVID-19 is capable of living on surfaces for many days.&nbsp;

During its initial period, countries that experience lower temperatures and humidity witnessed severe outbreaks. These include South Korea, Japan, and Iran.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-state-accounts-for-over-5-of-global-coronavirus-cases-numbers-expected-to-increase-288271" hreflang="en">New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase</a>

On the other hand, warmer countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand were able to contain it much quickly.

Another study conducted at the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland took a different approach.

The researchers mapped the outbreak in different regions and discovered that the most severe outbreaks happened in countries where the temperature ranged between five and 11 degree Celsius.

The virus was found to be clustered in a narrow band of consistently similar weather conditions across the northern hemisphere.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-united-states-become-the-next-epicentre-of-covid-19-288258" hreflang="en">Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19?</a>

This zone included countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, Iran , Italy, France and the US Pacific Northwest.

The study has also indicated that the coronavirus could be a seasonal respiratory virus.

Both studies point out to the same verdict: the forthcoming summers could bring relief, but would it completely stop the virus? The answer remains no!

Many doctors have warned of the virus resurfacing during autumn, and reiterate the importance of maintaining personal hygiene and practicing social distancing.

Summer is fast-approaching most parts of the world. However, it coincides with one of the biggest pandemics our societies have witnessed: the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

Summer is fast-approaching most parts of the world. However, it coincides with one of the biggest pandemics our societies have witnessed: the novel coronavirus COVID-19. As of figures from today, more than 380,000 cases have been registered worldwide. Additionally, over 16,500 have died. The global tally of the recovered patients so far stands at 100,000. Will the rise in temperatures across the globe mean a dip in the number of infected cases? Many Chinese experts claim that high temperature and humidity can significantly reduce the transmission of the virus. The research was undertaken at Beihang and Tsinghua University in China. Also read: Has the original epicentre of coronavirus - Wuhan really recovered? The focus of the study was 100 Chinese cities. The scientists realised that the transmission rate varied across cities with different weather conditions. They realised that as the weather became warmer and humid, the rate of transmission fell. For every degree of rise in temperatures (in Celsius), the rate of transmission fell by 0.0383 points. Similarly, for every one per cent increase in relative humidity, the transmission rate fell by 0.0224 points. Even though an important development, the rise in temperature is simply not enough to slow down the spread of the virus. As it turns out, heat weakens all kinds of viruses. The COVID-19 is capable of living on surfaces for many days. During its initial period, countries that experience lower temperatures and humidity witnessed severe outbreaks. These include South Korea, Japan, and Iran. Also read: New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase On the other hand, warmer countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand were able to contain it much quickly. Another study conducted at the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland took a different approach. The researchers mapped the outbreak in different regions and discovered that the most severe outbreaks happened in countries where the temperature ranged between five and 11 degree Celsius. The virus was found to be clustered in a narrow band of consistently similar weather conditions across the northern hemisphere. Also read: Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19? This zone included countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, Iran , Italy, France and the US Pacific Northwest. The study has also indicated that the coronavirus could be a seasonal respiratory virus. Both studies point out to the same verdict: the forthcoming summers could bring relief, but would it completely stop the virus? The answer remains no! Many doctors have warned of the virus resurfacing during autumn, and reiterate the importance of maintaining personal hygiene and practicing social distancing.

Heat kills coronavirus, after all!

Soaring temperatures across Britain on Thursday (July 25) forced many people to take precautions against the heat. Temperatures in Britain hit their highest ever in the month of July, reaching of 36.9 degrees Celsius (98.42 degrees Fahrenheit), the Met Office said.

Penguins, park goers and passengers swelter in UK heatwave

As Paris sweltered through a heatwave which could bring record-breaking temperatures this week, tourists took to the fountains in front of the Eiffel Tower to cool off on Tuesday (July 23).

A swim with a view: tourists escape heat in Eiffel Tower fountains

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-warns-china-of-serious-consequences-if-hong-kong-rights-not-honoured-232315">UK warns China of serious consequences if Hong Kong rights not honoured</a> 
 
Protesters, angry about proposed legislation allowing extraditions to mainland China, smashed their way into Hong Kong's legislature on Monday, with police using tear gas to disperse them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rising-heat-stress-could-cost-80-million-jobs-by-2030-united-nations-232401">Rising heat stress could cost 80 million jobs by 2030: United Nations</a> 
 
The World Health Organisation has said heat stress linked to climate change is likely to cause 38,000 extra deaths a year worldwide between 2030 and 2050.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jamaat-ul-mujahideen-bangladesh-using-some-madrasas-in-west-bengal-for-radicalization-home-ministry-232434">Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh using some Madrasas in West Bengal for radicalization: Home Ministry</a> 
 
Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said relevant inputs in this regard are regularly shared with the state governments and agencies concerned with the advice to take appropriate action.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/france-warns-iran-against-further-breaches-of-nuclear-deal-232313">France warns Iran against further breaches of nuclear deal</a> 
 
The statement added that Macron would take steps in the coming days to ensure Iran met its obligations and continued to benefit from the economic advantages of the deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-several-suspected-united-states-spies-face-possible-death-sentences-232329">Iran says several suspected United States spies face possible death sentences</a> 
 
In June, Iran said it executed a former contract employee of the defence ministry aerospace body on charges of spying for the US Central Intelligence Agency.

UK warns China of serious consequences if Hong Kong rights not honoured Protesters, angry about proposed legislation allowing extraditions to mainland China, smashed their way into Hong Kong's legislature on Monday, with police using tear gas to disperse them.

UK warns China of serious consequences if Hong Kong rights not honoured Protesters, angry about proposed legislation allowing extraditions to mainland China, smashed their way into Hong Kong's legislature on Monday, with police using tear gas to disperse them. Rising heat stress could cost 80 million jobs by 2030: United Nations The World Health Organisation has said heat stress linked to climate change is likely to cause 38,000 extra deaths a year worldwide between 2030 and 2050. Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh using some Madrasas in West Bengal for radicalization: Home Ministry Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said relevant inputs in this regard are regularly shared with the state governments and agencies concerned with the advice to take appropriate action. France warns Iran against further breaches of nuclear deal The statement added that Macron would take steps in the coming days to ensure Iran met its obligations and continued to benefit from the economic advantages of the deal. Iran says several suspected United States spies face possible death sentences In June, Iran said it executed a former contract employee of the defence ministry aerospace body on charges of spying for the US Central Intelligence Agency.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-time-hottest-temperature-in-france-recorded-at-443c-weather-service-231244">temperature in France</a> on Friday surpassed 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) for the first time as Europe wilted in a major heatwave, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said.

The record was set in the village of Villevieille in the southern department of Gard, which registered a high of 45.1 degrees Celsius. The previous record stood at 44.1 degrees Celsius in the same area during the notorious August 2003 heatwave, Meteo-France told AFP.

This year is on track to be among the hottest ever and that would make 2015-2019 the world's hottest five-year period on record, the World Meteorological Organization said on Friday.

It is too soon to definitely attribute&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-june-temperature-records-europe-swelters-in-heatwave-230846">Europe</a>'s current blistering heatwave to climate change but it is "absolutely consistent" with extremes linked to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, the United Nations agency said.

The temperature in France on Friday surpassed 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) for the first time as Europe wilted in a major heatwave, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said.

The temperature in France on Friday surpassed 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) for the first time as Europe wilted in a major heatwave, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said. The record was set in the village of Villevieille in the southern department of Gard, which registered a high of 45.1 degrees Celsius. The previous record stood at 44.1 degrees Celsius in the same area during the notorious August 2003 heatwave, Meteo-France told AFP. This year is on track to be among the hottest ever and that would make 2015-2019 the world's hottest five-year period on record, the World Meteorological Organization said on Friday. It is too soon to definitely attribute Europe's current blistering heatwave to climate change but it is "absolutely consistent" with extremes linked to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, the United Nations agency said.

Heat tops 45C in France for first time: Weather service

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-protests-chinas-army-to-be-handed-prime-harbour-in-hong-kong-231230">Amid protests, China's Army to be handed prime harbour in Hong Kong</a>

The Chinese military will be handed prime Hong Kong waterfront land on Saturday, even as the city is&nbsp;rocked by anti-Beijing protests&nbsp;and just days before the anniversary of its return to China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-time-hottest-temperature-in-france-recorded-at-443c-weather-service-231244">All-time hottest temperature in France recorded at 44.3C: Weather service</a>

France recorded its all-time hottest temperature of 44.3 degrees Celsius (111.7 degrees Fahrenheit) on Friday as the country and much of Europe basked in an&nbsp;early summer heatwave, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-will-target-root-of-terrorism-inside-pakistan-balakot-strikes-not-a-fluke-home-minister-amit-shah-in-lok-sabha-231174">We will target root of terrorism inside Pakistan, Balakot strikes not a fluke: Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha</a>

After PM Modi lashed out at&nbsp;Congress in Parliament, Home minister Amit Shah today hit out at Congress over the Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K) issue in Lok Sabha. "Congress weakened democracy in J&amp;K," India's home minister said, adding, "separatists have hurt democracy".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-talks-with-world-leaders-at-g20-pm-modi-discusses-indo-pacific-terrorism-situation-in-gulf-231173">In talks with world leaders at G20, PM Modi discusses Indo-Pacific, terrorism, situation in Gulf</a>

Even by diplomatic standards,&nbsp;the first day of the G20 Summit&nbsp;was not only hectic but showed how India was a sought after country at the event in Osaka. The two trilaterals - JAI - between Japan, America, India and RIC - between Russia, India, China showed how India was the common factor in the two groupings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-heatwave-consistent-with-climate-change-more-to-come-un-231226">Europe's heatwave consistent with climate change, more to come: UN</a>

This year is on track to be among the hottest ever and that would make 2015-2019 the world's hottest five-year period on record, the World Meteorological Organization said on Friday.

Amid protests, China's Army to be handed prime harbour in Hong Kong The Chinese military will be handed prime Hong Kong waterfront land on Saturday, even as the city is rocked by anti-Beijing protests and just days before the anniversary of its return to China.

Amid protests, China's Army to be handed prime harbour in Hong Kong The Chinese military will be handed prime Hong Kong waterfront land on Saturday, even as the city is rocked by anti-Beijing protests and just days before the anniversary of its return to China. All-time hottest temperature in France recorded at 44.3C: Weather service France recorded its all-time hottest temperature of 44.3 degrees Celsius (111.7 degrees Fahrenheit) on Friday as the country and much of Europe basked in an early summer heatwave, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said. We will target root of terrorism inside Pakistan, Balakot strikes not a fluke: Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha After PM Modi lashed out at Congress in Parliament, Home minister Amit Shah today hit out at Congress over the Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) issue in Lok Sabha. "Congress weakened democracy in J&K," India's home minister said, adding, "separatists have hurt democracy". In talks with world leaders at G20, PM Modi discusses Indo-Pacific, terrorism, situation in Gulf Even by diplomatic standards, the first day of the G20 Summit was not only hectic but showed how India was a sought after country at the event in Osaka. The two trilaterals - JAI - between Japan, America, India and RIC - between Russia, India, China showed how India was the common factor in the two groupings. Europe's heatwave consistent with climate change, more to come: UN This year is on track to be among the hottest ever and that would make 2015-2019 the world's hottest five-year period on record, the World Meteorological Organization said on Friday.

Europe's record-breaking heatwave was forecast to intensify Thursday, with authorities on alert as temperatures threaten to surpass 40 degrees Celsius in some regions.

The stifling heat has prompted traffic restrictions in France, sparked forest fires in Spain and fanned debate in Germany over public nudity as sweltering residents stripped off.

Meteorologists blame a blast of hot air from northern Africa for the heat this week, which has already set new records in Europe for June.

Exceptional for arriving so early in summer, the heatwave will on Thursday and Friday likely send thermometers above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in France, Spain and Greece.

In Spain, hundreds of firefighters and soldiers, backed by water-dropping aircraft, battled on Wednesday to put out a wind-fuelled forest fire that erupted in Torre del Espanol in the northeastern region of Catalonia.

The worst is expected Friday when 33 of the 50 Spanish provinces face extreme temperatures, which could reach 44 degrees in Girona.

"Hell is coming," one Spanish TV weather presenter tweeted Wednesday.

In France, temperatures "unprecedented" for their timing and intensity -- since 1947 when detailed surveys started -- were expected to reach at least 39 degrees over two-thirds of the country, said weather service Meteo-France.

Health official Jerome Saloman said the impact of the extreme heat was starting to be felt in France, with an increase in weather-related calls to emergency medical services.&nbsp;

Some schools are expected to close Thursday and Friday, while several cities -- including Paris and Lyon -- restricted traffic to limit a build-up of air pollution.&nbsp;

French authorities were taking no chances after the August 2003 heatwave was blamed for 15,000 deaths in the country, with television and radio broadcasts issuing warnings.

In Greece, where around 100 people &nbsp;died in last year's deadly fires at the Mati coastal resort, hospitals and officials were on red alert with temperatures of around 45 degrees nationwide.&nbsp;

- Vintage wine year -

Scientists warn that global warming linked to human fossil fuel use could make such scorchers more frequent.

"Global temperatures are increasing due to climate change," said Len Shaffrey, professor of climate science at the University of Reading.

"The global rise in temperatures means the probability that an extreme heatwave will occur is also increasing."

But French winemakers said the hot weather was more than welcome as it could produce a superior vintage.

"Two of three days of heatwave in Bordeaux at this time, it's magic!" Philippe Bardet, head of the Bordeaux Wine Council, told AFP.&nbsp;

Temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius would help burn off any of the mildew caused by residual damp, which is "very, very good for quality", Bardet said.&nbsp;

The 70-year-old record for the highest temperature recorded for June was beaten in Germany as 38.6 degrees Celsius was recorded in Brandenburg, the German Weather Service (DWD) confirmed Wednesday.

Meanwhile, police in Brandenburg cautioned a naked man for driving his moped wearing only his helmet and sandals.

And in Munich, security guards ordered a group of women sunbathing topless on the banks of the river Isar to cover up.

The move backfired, according to the Munich daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung, which quoted another sunbather as saying that she and others took their tops off "out of solidarity".

It said an urgent motion was introduced in a city council meeting Wednesday to allow topless bathing.

Scores of people have drowned in Poland and Lithuania as they tried to cool off in lakes and rivers, authorities said.

The Polish weather institute IMGW said the country's highest ever June temperature was recorded on Wednesday in the southwest: 38.2 degrees Celsius.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute also recorded the country's highest June temperature: 38.9 degrees Celsius in the northern town of Doksany.

In Belgium, vastly different temperatures were expected with 19 degrees Celsius on the north coast and 33 degrees in the south, according to broadcaster RTBF.

Europe's record-breaking heatwave was forecast to intensify Thursday, with authorities on alert as temperatures threaten to surpass 40 degrees Celsius in some regions.

Europe's record-breaking heatwave was forecast to intensify Thursday, with authorities on alert as temperatures threaten to surpass 40 degrees Celsius in some regions. The stifling heat has prompted traffic restrictions in France, sparked forest fires in Spain and fanned debate in Germany over public nudity as sweltering residents stripped off. Meteorologists blame a blast of hot air from northern Africa for the heat this week, which has already set new records in Europe for June. Exceptional for arriving so early in summer, the heatwave will on Thursday and Friday likely send thermometers above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in France, Spain and Greece. In Spain, hundreds of firefighters and soldiers, backed by water-dropping aircraft, battled on Wednesday to put out a wind-fuelled forest fire that erupted in Torre del Espanol in the northeastern region of Catalonia. The worst is expected Friday when 33 of the 50 Spanish provinces face extreme temperatures, which could reach 44 degrees in Girona. "Hell is coming," one Spanish TV weather presenter tweeted Wednesday. In France, temperatures "unprecedented" for their timing and intensity -- since 1947 when detailed surveys started -- were expected to reach at least 39 degrees over two-thirds of the country, said weather service Meteo-France. Health official Jerome Saloman said the impact of the extreme heat was starting to be felt in France, with an increase in weather-related calls to emergency medical services. Some schools are expected to close Thursday and Friday, while several cities -- including Paris and Lyon -- restricted traffic to limit a build-up of air pollution. French authorities were taking no chances after the August 2003 heatwave was blamed for 15,000 deaths in the country, with television and radio broadcasts issuing warnings. In Greece, where around 100 people died in last year's deadly fires at the Mati coastal resort, hospitals and officials were on red alert with temperatures of around 45 degrees nationwide. - Vintage wine year - Scientists warn that global warming linked to human fossil fuel use could make such scorchers more frequent. "Global temperatures are increasing due to climate change," said Len Shaffrey, professor of climate science at the University of Reading. "The global rise in temperatures means the probability that an extreme heatwave will occur is also increasing." But French winemakers said the hot weather was more than welcome as it could produce a superior vintage. "Two of three days of heatwave in Bordeaux at this time, it's magic!" Philippe Bardet, head of the Bordeaux Wine Council, told AFP. Temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius would help burn off any of the mildew caused by residual damp, which is "very, very good for quality", Bardet said. The 70-year-old record for the highest temperature recorded for June was beaten in Germany as 38.6 degrees Celsius was recorded in Brandenburg, the German Weather Service (DWD) confirmed Wednesday. Meanwhile, police in Brandenburg cautioned a naked man for driving his moped wearing only his helmet and sandals. And in Munich, security guards ordered a group of women sunbathing topless on the banks of the river Isar to cover up. The move backfired, according to the Munich daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung, which quoted another sunbather as saying that she and others took their tops off "out of solidarity". It said an urgent motion was introduced in a city council meeting Wednesday to allow topless bathing. Scores of people have drowned in Poland and Lithuania as they tried to cool off in lakes and rivers, authorities said. The Polish weather institute IMGW said the country's highest ever June temperature was recorded on Wednesday in the southwest: 38.2 degrees Celsius. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute also recorded the country's highest June temperature: 38.9 degrees Celsius in the northern town of Doksany. In Belgium, vastly different temperatures were expected with 19 degrees Celsius on the north coast and 33 degrees in the south, according to broadcaster RTBF.

Europeans on alert as heatwave intensifies

It was a partly cloudy Wednesday morning in the national capital, with the minimum temperature settling at 31 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average.

Delhiites may get some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-ncr-may-get-respite-from-scorching-heat-in-the-coming-days-imd-226167">respite from the oppressive heat </a>as gusty winds and thunderstorm are likely in the later half of the day, a Meteorological Department official said.

The maximum temperature would be around 42 degrees Celsius, he said.

Relative humidity was 47 per cent at 8.30 am, the official added.

On Tuesday, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-respite-from-heat-as-delhi-sizzles-at-46-degree-celsius-226143">maximum temperature in the city </a>was 44.5 degrees Celsius, five degrees above the season's average.&nbsp;

It was a partly cloudy Wednesday morning in the national capital, with the minimum temperature settling at 31 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average.

It was a partly cloudy Wednesday morning in the national capital, with the minimum temperature settling at 31 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average. Delhiites may get some respite from the oppressive heat as gusty winds and thunderstorm are likely in the later half of the day, a Meteorological Department official said. The maximum temperature would be around 42 degrees Celsius, he said. Relative humidity was 47 per cent at 8.30 am, the official added. On Tuesday, the maximum temperature in the city was 44.5 degrees Celsius, five degrees above the season's average.

Partly cloudy morning in Delhi, respite from heat likely later in the day

Several parts of the country continued to reel under <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-records-all-time-high-of-48-degree-celsius-226013">sweltering heat</a> Tuesday with mercury crossing the 45-degree mark, even as four elderly pilgrims travelling on a train from Agra to Coimbatore died due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-why-the-heat-wave-should-worry-us-158593">extreme heat</a>.

The pilgrims, hailing from Tamil Nadu, were travelling in non-AC coaches of Kerala Express. They complained of uneasiness and by the time, the train reached Jhansi, three of them died. One of the pilgrims died in a hospital, officials said.&nbsp;

Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh has been experiencing severe heat wave in recent weeks. It recorded a high of 48 degrees Celsius Tuesday.&nbsp;The maximum temperature hovered close to 45 degrees Celsius at most places in Punjab and Haryana.&nbsp;

Hisar in Haryana and Patiala in Punjab sizzled at 45.5 degrees Celsius, a MeT official said.&nbsp;

Intense heat wave conditions also swept Bhiwani at 45.3 degrees Celsius, while Karnal and Narnaul recorded above normal temperature of 44 degrees Celsius each.

Common capital Chandigarh recorded a high of 43.9 degrees Celsius, up by five notches against normal.

In the national capital, Safdarjung observatory, reading of which is considered official for the city, recorded a high of 44.5 degrees Celsius, five notches above the season's average.&nbsp;

The weatherman, however, has forecast that the mercury will see a fall in the city.&nbsp;

Over the next few days, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-ncr-may-get-respite-from-scorching-heat-in-the-coming-days-imd-226167">Delhi may experience thunderstorm or dust storm</a> leading to slight rain, said a MeT department official.

The official said the maximum temperature is likely to be between 41 to 42 degrees Celsius on June 12 and 13; 43 degrees Celsius between June 14-16; and 39 degrees Celsius on June 17 in the city.&nbsp;

The maximum temperature in most parts of Rajasthan remained near and above 45 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

Though isolated places in east Rajasthan recorded light rainfall and lightening, whereas the western parts of the state witnessed heat wave conditions. 
Churu remained the hottest place in the desert state at 47.3 degrees Celsius followed by 46.2 degrees in Sriganganagar, 45.9 degrees in Kota and 45.1 degrees Celsius in Bikaner. Barmer and Jaisalmer also recorded maximum temperatures above 44 degrees Celsius.

Dry weather prevailed in most parts of Uttar Pradesh with state capital Lucknow recording a maximum temperature of 42.1 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal.&nbsp;

According to the meteorological department, rain or thunderstorm is very likely at isolated places in the state. It also warned that severe heatwave conditions are likely to prevail at isolated places in the state.&nbsp;

Jhansi was the hottest place in the state where the mercury soared to 48 degrees Celsius, seven degrees above the normal mark. Allahabad witnessed a high of 46 degree Celsius.&nbsp;

The temperature soared above 40 degrees Celsius in at least 13 places in Odisha.&nbsp;

While the entire western region sizzled under boiling heat, coastal and interior areas of the state also encountered unbearable weather conditions due to rising temperature coupled with high level of relative humidity.

Sambalpur in western Odisha turned out to be the hottest place in the state, recording 45 degrees Celsius followed by 44.4 degrees in neighbouring Hirakud and 44.2 degrees in Jharsuguda, the Meteorological Centre here said. &nbsp; &nbsp;The state capital Bhubaneswar recorded a maximum temperature of 40.3 degrees Celsius, up from 37.8 degrees Celsius measured on Monday, while relative humidity in the city stood at 87 per cent, it said.

The MeT has forecast heat wave conditions to prevail in many parts of the state for at least next three days.&nbsp;

People of Himachal Pradesh, however, got some respite from the scorching heat as light rains lashed isolated parts of the state.&nbsp;

Shimla and Kufri were lashed by 8 mm rains each followed by Bhuntar 3 mm, Manali 2 mm, Chamba and Baghi 1 mm each and Kangra recorded 0.1 mm rain.

Una was the hottest place at 44.8 degrees Celsius.

There were reports of mild snowfall on high peaks of Lahaul and Spiti.&nbsp;Rain is also likely to occur in several parts of the state on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The Met Centre has issued yellow weather warning of thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds for plains, low and mid hills of the state on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Several parts of the country continued to reel under sweltering heat Tuesday with mercury crossing the 45-degree mark, even as four elderly pilgrims travelling on a train from Agra to Coimbatore died due to extreme heat.

Several parts of the country continued to reel under sweltering heat Tuesday with mercury crossing the 45-degree mark, even as four elderly pilgrims travelling on a train from Agra to Coimbatore died due to extreme heat. The pilgrims, hailing from Tamil Nadu, were travelling in non-AC coaches of Kerala Express. They complained of uneasiness and by the time, the train reached Jhansi, three of them died. One of the pilgrims died in a hospital, officials said. Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh has been experiencing severe heat wave in recent weeks. It recorded a high of 48 degrees Celsius Tuesday. The maximum temperature hovered close to 45 degrees Celsius at most places in Punjab and Haryana. Hisar in Haryana and Patiala in Punjab sizzled at 45.5 degrees Celsius, a MeT official said. Intense heat wave conditions also swept Bhiwani at 45.3 degrees Celsius, while Karnal and Narnaul recorded above normal temperature of 44 degrees Celsius each. Common capital Chandigarh recorded a high of 43.9 degrees Celsius, up by five notches against normal. In the national capital, Safdarjung observatory, reading of which is considered official for the city, recorded a high of 44.5 degrees Celsius, five notches above the season's average. The weatherman, however, has forecast that the mercury will see a fall in the city. Over the next few days, Delhi may experience thunderstorm or dust storm leading to slight rain, said a MeT department official. The official said the maximum temperature is likely to be between 41 to 42 degrees Celsius on June 12 and 13; 43 degrees Celsius between June 14-16; and 39 degrees Celsius on June 17 in the city. The maximum temperature in most parts of Rajasthan remained near and above 45 degrees Celsius. Though isolated places in east Rajasthan recorded light rainfall and lightening, whereas the western parts of the state witnessed heat wave conditions. Churu remained the hottest place in the desert state at 47.3 degrees Celsius followed by 46.2 degrees in Sriganganagar, 45.9 degrees in Kota and 45.1 degrees Celsius in Bikaner. Barmer and Jaisalmer also recorded maximum temperatures above 44 degrees Celsius. Dry weather prevailed in most parts of Uttar Pradesh with state capital Lucknow recording a maximum temperature of 42.1 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal. According to the meteorological department, rain or thunderstorm is very likely at isolated places in the state. It also warned that severe heatwave conditions are likely to prevail at isolated places in the state. Jhansi was the hottest place in the state where the mercury soared to 48 degrees Celsius, seven degrees above the normal mark. Allahabad witnessed a high of 46 degree Celsius. The temperature soared above 40 degrees Celsius in at least 13 places in Odisha. While the entire western region sizzled under boiling heat, coastal and interior areas of the state also encountered unbearable weather conditions due to rising temperature coupled with high level of relative humidity. Sambalpur in western Odisha turned out to be the hottest place in the state, recording 45 degrees Celsius followed by 44.4 degrees in neighbouring Hirakud and 44.2 degrees in Jharsuguda, the Meteorological Centre here said. The state capital Bhubaneswar recorded a maximum temperature of 40.3 degrees Celsius, up from 37.8 degrees Celsius measured on Monday, while relative humidity in the city stood at 87 per cent, it said. The MeT has forecast heat wave conditions to prevail in many parts of the state for at least next three days. People of Himachal Pradesh, however, got some respite from the scorching heat as light rains lashed isolated parts of the state. Shimla and Kufri were lashed by 8 mm rains each followed by Bhuntar 3 mm, Manali 2 mm, Chamba and Baghi 1 mm each and Kangra recorded 0.1 mm rain. Una was the hottest place at 44.8 degrees Celsius. There were reports of mild snowfall on high peaks of Lahaul and Spiti. Rain is also likely to occur in several parts of the state on Wednesday. The Met Centre has issued yellow weather warning of thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds for plains, low and mid hills of the state on Wednesday.

Heat wave rages on; four elderly pilgrims die of heat in train in Jhansi

Delhi and its nearby areas such as Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad and Ghaziabad continue to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-records-all-time-high-of-48-degree-celsius-226013">experience heat wave</a> on Tuesday, with India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting the maximum temperature at 46 degree Celsius.

However, the weather forecasting agency predicted that tomorrow, the capital will be hit by thunderstorm or dust storm.

Besides, the heatwave in many parts with a severe heatwave in isolated pockets over East Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are also predicted.

"Heat wave to severe heat wave in isolated pockets over Uttar Pradesh; heat wave in isolated pockets over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rayalaseema and Tamilnadu," the IMD stated in its all India weather warning bulletin.

Gale winds speed reaching 90-100 kmph gusting to 115 kmph very likely to prevail over East-Central and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea; 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph over Lakshadweep area, Kerala, Karnataka and south Maharashtra coasts, it added.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into these areas.

Delhi and its nearby areas such as Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad and Ghaziabad continue to experience heat wave on Tuesday, with India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting the maximum temperature at 46 degree Celsius.

Delhi and its nearby areas such as Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad and Ghaziabad continue to experience heat wave on Tuesday, with India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting the maximum temperature at 46 degree Celsius. However, the weather forecasting agency predicted that tomorrow, the capital will be hit by thunderstorm or dust storm. Besides, the heatwave in many parts with a severe heatwave in isolated pockets over East Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are also predicted. "Heat wave to severe heat wave in isolated pockets over Uttar Pradesh; heat wave in isolated pockets over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rayalaseema and Tamilnadu," the IMD stated in its all India weather warning bulletin. Gale winds speed reaching 90-100 kmph gusting to 115 kmph very likely to prevail over East-Central and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea; 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph over Lakshadweep area, Kerala, Karnataka and south Maharashtra coasts, it added. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into these areas.

No respite from heat as Delhi sizzles at 46 degree Celsius

A heat wave with record-breaking potential gripped the southeastern United States on Monday, while the Central Plains will get a respite from the deadly weather that has pounded and flooded the region since last week, forecasters said.

But the conditions for violent weather that spawned numerous tornadoes and drenching rains that prompted several riverfront evacuations will return in the coming week, they said. A tornado in Oklahoma killed two people on Saturday.

As Americans celebrate the Memorial Day holiday, the National Weather Service (NWS) said 14 cities in South Carolina, Georgia and northern Florida could tie or top their previous high temperatures for this date in a hot spell that could remain in place through the week.

They include Atlanta with an expected high of 96 degrees Fahrenheit (36 degrees Celsius) and Jacksonville, Florida, and Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina, where highs could hit about 100 degrees F (38 C).

"We are expecting triple-digit readings for a good chunk of the southeast United States," said meteorologist Brian Hurley at the NWS Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland.

Severe thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes pose a risk for northern Illinois and northwest Indiana, Hurley added.

River city flooding

In Oklahoma, where the city of El Reno is still cleaning up from the tornado that killed two people and injured 29 on Saturday, chances for violent thunderstorms have diminished until late Monday or early Tuesday, he said.

The pattern of drenching thunderstorms and tornadoes, which has been recurring in the Central Plains states since last week, has caused flooding in several river cities.

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, officials are monitoring the rain-swollen Arkansas River after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers raised the flow at the upriver Keystone Dam by 65% since last week to 275,000 cubic feet per second.

The heavier flow, which is testing two aging levees in Tulsa, is still less than the 300,000 cubic feet per second high flow for the dam in 1986, the City of Tulsa said.

All 77 Oklahoma counties are under a state of emergency, a spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said.

A heat wave with record-breaking potential gripped the southeastern United States on Monday, while the Central Plains will get a respite from the deadly weather that has pounded and flooded the region since last week, forecasters said.

A heat wave with record-breaking potential gripped the southeastern United States on Monday, while the Central Plains will get a respite from the deadly weather that has pounded and flooded the region since last week, forecasters said. But the conditions for violent weather that spawned numerous tornadoes and drenching rains that prompted several riverfront evacuations will return in the coming week, they said. A tornado in Oklahoma killed two people on Saturday. As Americans celebrate the Memorial Day holiday, the National Weather Service (NWS) said 14 cities in South Carolina, Georgia and northern Florida could tie or top their previous high temperatures for this date in a hot spell that could remain in place through the week. They include Atlanta with an expected high of 96 degrees Fahrenheit (36 degrees Celsius) and Jacksonville, Florida, and Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina, where highs could hit about 100 degrees F (38 C). "We are expecting triple-digit readings for a good chunk of the southeast United States," said meteorologist Brian Hurley at the NWS Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland. Severe thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes pose a risk for northern Illinois and northwest Indiana, Hurley added. River city flooding In Oklahoma, where the city of El Reno is still cleaning up from the tornado that killed two people and injured 29 on Saturday, chances for violent thunderstorms have diminished until late Monday or early Tuesday, he said. The pattern of drenching thunderstorms and tornadoes, which has been recurring in the Central Plains states since last week, has caused flooding in several river cities. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, officials are monitoring the rain-swollen Arkansas River after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers raised the flow at the upriver Keystone Dam by 65% since last week to 275,000 cubic feet per second. The heavier flow, which is testing two aging levees in Tulsa, is still less than the 300,000 cubic feet per second high flow for the dam in 1986, the City of Tulsa said. All 77 Oklahoma counties are under a state of emergency, a spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said.

Record heat hits US Southeast, threat of flooding remains in Central states

The world's oceans are heating up at an accelerating pace as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/2018-was-the-fourth-warmest-year-ever-european-unions-climate-change-service-188839">global warming</a> threatens a diverse range of marine life and a major food supply for the planet, researchers said Thursday.

The findings in the US journal Science, led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, debunk previous reports that suggested a so-called pause in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/drought-hit-australia-recorded-third-warmest-year-last-year-189344">global warming in recent years</a>.

The latest technology shows no such hiatus ever existed, raising new concerns about the pace of climate change and its effect on the planet's main buffer -- the oceans.

"Ocean heating is a very important indicator of climate change, and we have robust evidence that it is warming more rapidly than we thought," said co-author Zeke Hausfather, a graduate student in the Energy and Resources Group at the University of California, Berkeley.

About 93 per cent of excess heat -- trapped around the Earth by greenhouse gases that come from the burning of fossil fuels -- accumulates in the world's oceans.&nbsp;

The latest report relied on four studies, published between 2014 and 2017, that gave more precise estimates of past trends in ocean heat, allowing scientists to update past research and hone predictions for the future.

A key factor in the more accurate numbers is an ocean monitoring fleet called Argo, which includes nearly 4,000 floating robots that "drift throughout the world's oceans, every few days diving to a depth of 2,000 meters (yards) and measuring the ocean's temperature, pH, salinity and other bits of information as they rise back up," said the report.

Argo "has provided consistent and widespread data on ocean heat content since the mid-2000s," it said.

The new analysis shows warming in the oceans is on pace with measurements of rising air temperature.

And if nothing is done to reduce greenhouse gases, "models predict that the temperature of the top 2,000 meters of the world's oceans will rise 0.78 degrees Celsius by the end of the century," it said.&nbsp;

The thermal expansion -- water swelling as it warms -- would raise sea level 12 inches (30 centimetres), above any sea level rise from melting glaciers and ice sheets.

"While 2018 will be the fourth warmest year on record on the surface, it will most certainly be the warmest year on record in the oceans, as was 2017 and 2016 before that," Hausfather said.&nbsp;

"The global warming signal is a lot easier to detect if it is changing in the oceans than on the surface."

The world's oceans are heating up at an accelerating pace as global warming threatens a diverse range of marine life and a major food supply for the planet, researchers said Thursday.

The world's oceans are heating up at an accelerating pace as global warming threatens a diverse range of marine life and a major food supply for the planet, researchers said Thursday. The findings in the US journal Science, led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, debunk previous reports that suggested a so-called pause in global warming in recent years. The latest technology shows no such hiatus ever existed, raising new concerns about the pace of climate change and its effect on the planet's main buffer -- the oceans. "Ocean heating is a very important indicator of climate change, and we have robust evidence that it is warming more rapidly than we thought," said co-author Zeke Hausfather, a graduate student in the Energy and Resources Group at the University of California, Berkeley. About 93 per cent of excess heat -- trapped around the Earth by greenhouse gases that come from the burning of fossil fuels -- accumulates in the world's oceans. The latest report relied on four studies, published between 2014 and 2017, that gave more precise estimates of past trends in ocean heat, allowing scientists to update past research and hone predictions for the future. A key factor in the more accurate numbers is an ocean monitoring fleet called Argo, which includes nearly 4,000 floating robots that "drift throughout the world's oceans, every few days diving to a depth of 2,000 meters (yards) and measuring the ocean's temperature, pH, salinity and other bits of information as they rise back up," said the report. Argo "has provided consistent and widespread data on ocean heat content since the mid-2000s," it said. The new analysis shows warming in the oceans is on pace with measurements of rising air temperature. And if nothing is done to reduce greenhouse gases, "models predict that the temperature of the top 2,000 meters of the world's oceans will rise 0.78 degrees Celsius by the end of the century," it said. The thermal expansion -- water swelling as it warms -- would raise sea level 12 inches (30 centimetres), above any sea level rise from melting glaciers and ice sheets. "While 2018 will be the fourth warmest year on record on the surface, it will most certainly be the warmest year on record in the oceans, as was 2017 and 2016 before that," Hausfather said. "The global warming signal is a lot easier to detect if it is changing in the oceans than on the surface."

World's oceans heating up at a quickening pace: Study

The increasing temperature across parts of Asia have made records for the month of March&nbsp;already.&nbsp;

At least seven countries set monthly high-temperature records at the end of March, according to national weather authorities and tracking by Etienne Kapikian, a meteorologist with MeteoFrance, along with climatologist Maximiliano Herrera.&nbsp;

However, Pakistan made the highest record with the hottest weather in March end.&nbsp;

On March 30, the temperature Nawabshah, in Sindh Province peaked at 45.5 degrees Celsius beating its old record of 45 degrees Celsius in March 1991.&nbsp;

Moenjo Daro, southwest of Nawabshah, also saw a temperature of 45.5 degrees Celsius on March 31. That is noteworthy since that community holds the all-time high-temperature record for the country, of 53.3 degrees Celsius, set in 2010.

Iraq and Qatar also saw record high temperatures during last March at 43.8 and 40 degrees Celsius respectively. Iraq beat its old record of 42.4 degrees Celsius in 2010 and Qatar last saw its highest temperature of March in 1998 at 39 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

These types of heat events are expected to become more frequent and severe as the world continues to warm due to human emissions of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels.&nbsp;

As the overall climate gets warmer, it becomes easier to set warm temperature extremes, even in months that didn't use to see such hot and potentially deadly weather.&nbsp;

As parts of Asia roast in springtime heat, the eastern US&nbsp;is in a very cold pattern. At the very least, these new records are a reminder that - global warming is on the rise- when one part of the world is exceptionally cool, another part must be exceptionally hot. Cerveny says these pronounced variations suggest the weather pattern will remain interesting for potential all-time records.

On March 30, the temperature Nawabshah, in Sindh Province peaked at 45.5 degrees Celsius beating its old record of 45 degrees Celcius of March 1991

The increasing temperature across parts of Asia have made records for the month of March already. At least seven countries set monthly high-temperature records at the end of March, according to national weather authorities and tracking by Etienne Kapikian, a meteorologist with MeteoFrance, along with climatologist Maximiliano Herrera. However, Pakistan made the highest record with the hottest weather in March end. On March 30, the temperature Nawabshah, in Sindh Province peaked at 45.5 degrees Celsius beating its old record of 45 degrees Celsius in March 1991. Moenjo Daro, southwest of Nawabshah, also saw a temperature of 45.5 degrees Celsius on March 31. That is noteworthy since that community holds the all-time high-temperature record for the country, of 53.3 degrees Celsius, set in 2010. Iraq and Qatar also saw record high temperatures during last March at 43.8 and 40 degrees Celsius respectively. Iraq beat its old record of 42.4 degrees Celsius in 2010 and Qatar last saw its highest temperature of March in 1998 at 39 degrees Celsius. These types of heat events are expected to become more frequent and severe as the world continues to warm due to human emissions of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels. As the overall climate gets warmer, it becomes easier to set warm temperature extremes, even in months that didn't use to see such hot and potentially deadly weather. As parts of Asia roast in springtime heat, the eastern US is in a very cold pattern. At the very least, these new records are a reminder that - global warming is on the rise- when one part of the world is exceptionally cool, another part must be exceptionally hot. Cerveny says these pronounced variations suggest the weather pattern will remain interesting for potential all-time records.

Heatwave sweeps South Asia, Pakistan hottest at 45.5 degrees

Delhiites witnessed the hottest day of the season on Wednesday, with the maximum temperature settling at 40.6 degrees Celsius.&nbsp

Palam weather station recorded a maximum of 40.6 degrees Celsius, the hottest in the city.&nbsp

Safdarjung recorded 38.6 degrees. Both were the highest recorded March temperatures at the respective stations since 2010.&nbsp

The readings were as much as eight degrees above normal at Palam and seven at Safdarjung.&nbsp

The lowest was registered by Mungeshpur village near Bawana in northwest Delhi at 37 degrees Celsius.

The weather was dry with a clear sky and no rains. While Tuesday saw a maximum temperature of 38.8 degrees Celsius, the IMD (India Meteorological Department) forecast a maximum of 37 degrees Celsius for Thursday.

Elsewhere in India, Ahmedabad in Gujarat recorded a maximum temperature of 40.4 degrees Celsius, Akola in Maharashtra 41.6 degrees Celsius, Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh 38.5 degrees Celsius, Kolkata 35.2 degrees Celsius and Kozhikode in Kerala 36.2 degrees Celsius.

These maximum temperatures are expected to follow a similar trend with minor fluctuations only.

Delhiites witnessed the hottest day of the season on Wednesday, with the maximum temperature settling at 40.6 degrees Celsius. Palam weather station recorded a maximum of 40.6 degrees Celsius, the hottest in the city. Safdarjung recorded 38.6 degrees. Both were the highest recorded March temperatures at the respective stations since 2010. The readings were as much as eight degrees above normal at Palam and seven at Safdarjung. The lowest was registered by Mungeshpur village near Bawana in northwest Delhi at 37 degrees Celsius. The weather was dry with a clear sky and no rains. While Tuesday saw a maximum temperature of 38.8 degrees Celsius, the IMD (India Meteorological Department) forecast a maximum of 37 degrees Celsius for Thursday. Elsewhere in India, Ahmedabad in Gujarat recorded a maximum temperature of 40.4 degrees Celsius, Akola in Maharashtra 41.6 degrees Celsius, Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh 38.5 degrees Celsius, Kolkata 35.2 degrees Celsius and Kozhikode in Kerala 36.2 degrees Celsius.

Delhi records hottest March day in 8 years on Wednesday

Pedro and Mohamed await every utility bill with much angst. To reduce the money they have to pay, they live in the dark, without heating, or shower just once a week -- victims like millions in Spain of energy poverty.

Welfare associations have for years warned against this situation, but the death earlier this month of 81-year-old Rosa in a fire caused by a candle she used for light has brought the issue firmly to the fore. Socialist lawmaker Pilar Lucio asked the ruling conservative government to immediately implement a &quot;winter truce&quot; on companies cutting power to those who cannot pay -- a measure with majority support in parliament and encouraged in a 2009 EU directive.

Last year, according to Spain&#39;s National Statistics Institute, 10.6 per cent of Spaniards were unable to properly heat their homes -- or more than four million people -- compared to just 5.9 per cent in 2008, when an economic crisis kicked off. At fault are the economic crisis and widespread loss of jobs it caused, as well as a 30- to 50-per cent rise in utility prices since 2006.

&nbsp;

&quot;Luxury&quot; items

Pedro Martinez, 48, has been in this situation for several years. Unemployed since 2013, when the furniture company he was working for closed, he survives on a pension of 426 euros ($450) a month, and what remains of the compensation he received for being fired.

Divorced, he lives with his 20-year-old son and 23-year-old mentally impaired daughter in a working-class district of Barcelona, without heating and using electric light only when absolutely necessary.

&quot;It&#39;s tough in winter. We just have an electric heater, which we rarely switch on for fear of the bill,&quot; he says. &quot;The cold chills you to the bone. We wear coats and at night we use all the blankets we have.&quot;

Tere Bermudez, spokeswoman for the Roman Catholic charity Caritas, says that &quot;for many families, water, light and gas are luxury items&quot;. She says that from 2007 to 2015, the organisation multiplied by 30 the number of utility bills it helped pay.

One of its beneficiaries is Mohamed Chairi, a 37-year-old Moroccan. Unemployed, his family lives off the monthly 250 euros from his wife&#39;s cleaning work as well as help from charities. &quot;We shower once a week, on Fridays, so that the kids are clean at the weekend,&quot; the father-of-three says.

In the corner of the living room of his small flat in Badalona near Barcelona, his youngest son plays with a broken electric radiator. Chairi has just received his electricity bill -- 24 euros for the month, a small sum for Spain but huge for him. &quot;The rent alone is 440 euros,&quot; he says. &quot;If I have to suffer from hunger or go without light or water, I don&#39;t care, but the kids...&quot;.

&nbsp;

Burning canvas shoes

According to the European Commission, Spain&#39;s gas and electricity prices were the third and fourth highest respectively in the European Union last year. &quot;We are above the European average (in terms of fuel poverty) despite having much better weather,&quot; says Jose Luis Lopez, spokesman for the Association of Environmental Science. There is no nationwide law on the issue, but several regions have implemented measures to try and address it.

In the northeastern region of Catalonia, for instance, a law stipulates that utility companies must notify social services before cutting electricity or gas, and if the family or person struggling to pay is classified as vulnerable, they are banned from doing so. But the law is not always respected, as was the case for Rosa, with utility firm Gas Natural acknowledging it had not contacted social services.

Lopez estimates that some 7,100 people die every year due to fuel poverty. Firefighters in Catalonia have also warned of the security risks involved.

&quot;We have come across people heating themselves with small fires made from newspapers or even canvas shoes,&quot; said union spokesman Antonio del Rio. Spain may be emerging from the crisis, but at least 600,000 households saw their electricity supply cut off last year, according to the Facua consumer association.

&quot;There&#39;s a lot of talk about recovery, but on the street you don&#39;t see it anywhere,&quot; said Pedro Martinez.

(AFP)

The economic crisis, widespread job loss and the soaring costs of energy have all conspired to put millions in Spain into energy poverty

Pedro and Mohamed await every utility bill with much angst. To reduce the money they have to pay, they live in the dark, without heating, or shower just once a week -- victims like millions in Spain of energy poverty. Welfare associations have for years warned against this situation, but the death earlier this month of 81-year-old Rosa in a fire caused by a candle she used for light has brought the issue firmly to the fore. Socialist lawmaker Pilar Lucio asked the ruling conservative government to immediately implement a "winter truce" on companies cutting power to those who cannot pay -- a measure with majority support in parliament and encouraged in a 2009 EU directive. Last year, according to Spain's National Statistics Institute, 10.6 per cent of Spaniards were unable to properly heat their homes -- or more than four million people -- compared to just 5.9 per cent in 2008, when an economic crisis kicked off. At fault are the economic crisis and widespread loss of jobs it caused, as well as a 30- to 50-per cent rise in utility prices since 2006. "Luxury" items Pedro Martinez, 48, has been in this situation for several years. Unemployed since 2013, when the furniture company he was working for closed, he survives on a pension of 426 euros ($450) a month, and what remains of the compensation he received for being fired. Divorced, he lives with his 20-year-old son and 23-year-old mentally impaired daughter in a working-class district of Barcelona, without heating and using electric light only when absolutely necessary. "It's tough in winter. We just have an electric heater, which we rarely switch on for fear of the bill," he says. "The cold chills you to the bone. We wear coats and at night we use all the blankets we have." Tere Bermudez, spokeswoman for the Roman Catholic charity Caritas, says that "for many families, water, light and gas are luxury items". She says that from 2007 to 2015, the organisation multiplied by 30 the number of utility bills it helped pay. One of its beneficiaries is Mohamed Chairi, a 37-year-old Moroccan. Unemployed, his family lives off the monthly 250 euros from his wife's cleaning work as well as help from charities. "We shower once a week, on Fridays, so that the kids are clean at the weekend," the father-of-three says. In the corner of the living room of his small flat in Badalona near Barcelona, his youngest son plays with a broken electric radiator. Chairi has just received his electricity bill -- 24 euros for the month, a small sum for Spain but huge for him. "The rent alone is 440 euros," he says. "If I have to suffer from hunger or go without light or water, I don't care, but the kids...". Burning canvas shoes According to the European Commission, Spain's gas and electricity prices were the third and fourth highest respectively in the European Union last year. "We are above the European average (in terms of fuel poverty) despite having much better weather," says Jose Luis Lopez, spokesman for the Association of Environmental Science. There is no nationwide law on the issue, but several regions have implemented measures to try and address it. In the northeastern region of Catalonia, for instance, a law stipulates that utility companies must notify social services before cutting electricity or gas, and if the family or person struggling to pay is classified as vulnerable, they are banned from doing so. But the law is not always respected, as was the case for Rosa, with utility firm Gas Natural acknowledging it had not contacted social services. Lopez estimates that some 7,100 people die every year due to fuel poverty. Firefighters in Catalonia have also warned of the security risks involved. "We have come across people heating themselves with small fires made from newspapers or even canvas shoes," said union spokesman Antonio del Rio. Spain may be emerging from the crisis, but at least 600,000 households saw their electricity supply cut off last year, according to the Facua consumer association. "There's a lot of talk about recovery, but on the street you don't see it anywhere," said Pedro Martinez. (AFP)

Light, water, heat a luxury in Spain

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