Strong heatwaves have swept several parts of the globe over the last two weeks, claiming lives and setting new records. While India experienced world's fifth deadliest heatwave in recorded history in May, extremely high temperatures were present in Pakistan and this heat eventually reached the Middle East. 
Above-average temperatures for this time of year are now observed in Europe too. In general, temperatures across Europe now are at 3.8 degrees Celsius (25 degrees Fahrenheit) above the average for this time of year.

Fifth deadliest heatwave in recorded history - India

Although India is known for the hot weather in May, the last month was exceptionally warm, with temperatures going up to 12.2 degrees Celsius (10 degrees Fahrenheit) above the month's average for almost two weeks. Over 2500 people have died, making it the fifth deadliest heatwave recorded in history.
With temperatures rising above 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit), the roads in New Delhi melted, and other parts of the country were almost seven degrees hotter.
It seems that the worst of the heatwave has passed now, and the Indians are keeping their fingers crossed in the hope for strong monsoon rains this year to bring some relief from the hot weather.

Heatwave in the Middle East

The heatwave which started in India has been gently blown south and eventually reached the Middle East.
During the second half of May, daily temperatures hovered between 48 and 49 degrees Celsius (118.4 and 120.2 degrees Fahrenheit) in the Indus Valley, Pakistan. In Nawabshah, temperatures persisted on 49 degrees Celsius (120.2 degrees Fahrenheit) four days in a row.
By June, the hot air, loaded with dust has reached Oman and and the UAE. Temperatures there have risen three to five degrees since the start of the month, AlJazeera reports.
Temperature in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi hit 50.5 degrees Celsius (122.9 degrees Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, June 3.
Khasab, Sunayah and Fahud in Oman measured 49 degrees Celsius (120.2 degrees Fahrenheit) on the same day.
The heat has been rising in Qatar too. Doha measured 45.8 degrees Celsius (114.4 degrees Fahrenheit), 45.5 degrees Celsius (113.9 degrees Fahrenheit) and 46.1 degrees Celsius (114.9 degrees Fahrenheit) in the first three days of June.

Early-season heatwave in Europe

An early-season heatwave swept over parts of Europe on Friday, June 5. Although the heat is not too strong or dangerous, it's still pretty early in the season for temperatures in this range in northern Europe. Late afternoon temperature maxima were up to 32.2 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit), and the heatwave was especially intense in the Rhine River Valley in southwest Germany and eastern France.
In general, temperatures are at 3.8 degrees Celsius (25 degrees Fahrenheit) above the average for this time of year. According to Accuweather's Eric Leister, some cities, including Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt are seeing their hottest temperatures of the year so far. A line of thunderstorms caused by the intensity of the heatwave swept across northern Europe.
The heatwave peaked on June 5, although the above-average temperatures have continued to spread across Europe on Saturday into Sunday (June 6 - 7), and are expected to drop back to normal by early next week.
Featured image: Temperature and precipitation model for June 8, 2015. Credit: MeteoEarth.com