An intense heatwave is sweeping across the southern United States, with temperatures exceeding 45°C (113°F) in parts of Texas and Arizona. The National Weather Service has issued extreme heat advisories for nearly 50 million people.
Hospitals have reported a sharp increase in heatstroke cases. In Phoenix alone, emergency rooms have seen a 30% rise in weather-related admissions. Several cities have set up “cooling centres” for the vulnerable population.
The high energy demand for air conditioning is testing the stability of power grids. Experts warn that blackouts could occur if consumption is not managed.
Indian cities like Nagpur and Jaipur, which often face similar conditions, are studying the U.S. response to inform their own summer preparedness strategies.
