Certain regions in northern India have been experiencing an extreme heatwave since mid-May, with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius.

"This is the longest heatwave recorded, as it has lasted for approximately 24 days in different parts of the country", said Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, India's chief meteorologist, in an interview with the Indian Express.

Temperatures are expected to begin decreasing as the monsoon rains move northward at the end of June, but the Indian meteorologist warned that these challenging conditions are likely to recur in the future.

"Heatwaves will be more frequent, longer and more intense if precautionary or preventive measures are not taken", he added.

India ranks third among the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters. The Asian country has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, about two decades later than most industrialized Western nations.

For now, India heavily relies on coal for electricity production.

"Human activities, population growth, industrialization and transportation lead to increased concentrations of carbon monoxide, methane and chlorocarbons", the Indian meteorologist said.

"We are endangering not only ourselves, but also future generations", he added.

Scientific studies have shown that climate change is causing longer, more frequent, and more intense heatwaves on our planet.

The most recent heatwave in India caused temperatures in New Delhi to match the previous record in the country's capital of 49.2°C, set in 2022.

On May 29, an automated weather station in Mungeshpur, on the outskirts of New Delhi, registered a record temperature for India of 52.9°C. However, this value was later attributed to a faulty sensor, according to Indian authorities.

Seventeen other stations in New Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 49 degrees Celsius on the same day.