Southern California is facing its worst heatwave in recorded history, with temperatures soaring past 48°C (118°F) in cities like Palm Springs and Bakersfield. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a statewide heat emergency, enabling emergency funds and electricity conservation measures.
Hospitals have been instructed to prepare for heatstroke surges. Mobile cooling centers have been activated for vulnerable populations. Scientists link the intensity of this event to the Pacific Jet Stream shift triggered by climate change.
Environmentalists across South Asia are calling for stronger regional heatwave preparedness. Cities like Kolkata, Dhaka, and Kathmandu have similar vulnerabilities, and cross-learning on urban cooling infrastructure and early warning systems is being discussed.
