‘A calamity’: Why is a record heatwave sweeping South Asia?

A record-breaking heatwave in South Asia has led to temperatures exceeding 45-50 degrees Celsius, causing multiple deaths and raising concerns about the region's vulnerability. High-pressure systems are trapping hot air near the surface, weak pre-monsoon rains and El Nino-like patterns are suppressing cooling, and experts link these extremes to human-driven climate change. Countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are most affected, with temperatures soaring above seasonal averages, leading to heat-related deaths and impacting millions of people.