The high temperatures since April this year are part of an extreme weather condition that scientists have warned is consistent with climate change.

An extreme heatwave has hit South Asia continues, with parts of Pakistan and India recording temperatures above 48 degrees Celsius.

On April 29 Reuters reported that “Pakistan issued a heat warning after the hottest March in 61 years while in parts of neighbouring India schools were shut and streets deserted as an intense heave wave on Friday showed no signs of abating.”

In Pakistan, officials have warned of a shortfall in food and crop supply this year, if the water shortage persists in Punjab.

In India the heat has triggered an increase in power demand in India, leading to power outages in many states amid fears of a coal shortage.

Temperatures in some areas of New Delhi and the state of Uttar Pradesh reached 50 degrees Celsius on Sunday, while Jacobabad in Pakistan recorded 51 degrees Celsius two days ago.

Heatwaves during this time of year are common, however, the temperatures this year have been at least 7 degrees higher than normal.

Aljazeera/Reuters.