India is experiencing a heatwave in the states of West Bengal, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, with temperatures of 40C recorded for several consecutive days, which is about 5C above the seasonal average. The north-westerly flow of air is linked to these conditions and also bringing drier than usual conditions. The authorities have urged people to be cautious about their health by staying hydrated, wearing breathable clothing, and avoiding street food. Schools and universities have been closed for a week in response to children’s complaints of headaches. The Gobi desert has been causing sandstorms to plague parts of China for weeks, with Shanghai particularly badly affected with air quality warnings, reduced visibility, and surfaces being covered in a fine dust. Sandstorms have become more regular in recent decades due to a combination of rising temperatures and reduced rainfall in the Gobi desert. South Korea and Japan have also been affected. In the US, short-lived but impactful storms brought hail of up to one inch in diameter and strong winds gusting up to 97mph, causing damage to trees, barns and mobile homes. During the storms, a four-inch hailstone was reported near the town of Arcola, and a three-inch hailstone was reported near the town of Golden City.
