India heatwave: temperatures hit 40C

The heatwave that has been plaguing the states of West Bengal, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh in north-west India is forecast to continue through the coming week. Daytime temperatures of 40C have been recorded for several consecutive days in these regions, about 5C above the seasonal average.

This excessive heat is linked to a north-westerly flow of air, which is also bringing much drier than usual conditions. The authorities have advised people to be vigilant about their health by staying hydrated, wearing breathable clothing and avoiding street food, which could easily go off in these conditions. They have also closed schools and universities for a week in response to schoolchildren complaining about headaches.

Meanwhile, in China, sandstorms that have been plaguing parts of the country for weeks and are threatening to spread elsewhere in Asia. Much of the sand and dust originates from the Gobi desert, straddling the border between Mongolia and China.

Shanghai has been particularly badly affected in the last month or so, with the concentration of PM10 particles reaching more than 46 times the World Health Organization’s recommended safe level. This has resulted in air quality warnings, reduced visibility, and many surfaces being coated in a fine dust.

South Korea and Japan have also been affected. Seoul has recorded PM10 levels at more than double the threshold the government deems “very unhealthy”. Sandstorms have become a more regular occurrence in recent decades, owing to a combination of rising temperatures and reduced rainfall in the Gobi desert.

The US also had some short-lived but impactful storms over the weekend. Large hail of about one inch in diameter was reported across many parts of Missouri, alongside strong winds gusting up to 97mph, causing damage to trees, barns and mobile homes.

A four-inch hailstone was reported near the town of Arcola during the early afternoon local time, and a three-inch hailstone was reported near the town of Golden City, 22 miles to the south-west, less than 20 minutes later.