Over 550 Hajj pilgrims have died in Mecca due to intense heat, with temperatures nearing 52 degrees Celsius. Most deaths were caused by heat-related illnesses. Among the dead were 323 Egyptians and 60 Jordanians. Saudi authorities treated over 2,000 for heat stress. This year's Hajj saw around 1.8 million pilgrims. Many pilgrims tried to perform Hajj without official permits, lacking access to air-conditioned shelters. The extreme heat underscores the growing impact of climate change on the pilgrimage. Saudi health officials reported successful disease control but struggled with the overwhelming heat-related health issues.

4.9 magnitude earthquake struck Kashmar, northeastern Iran, at 1:24 pm on Tuesday, killing four people and injuring 120. Kashmar's governor, Hajatollah Shariatmadari, reported that 35 people were hospitalized. The quake caused significant damage to old buildings in both urban and rural areas. Footage on state TV showed first responders amid the rubble. The United States Geological Survey recorded the quake's depth at 10 kilometers. Iran frequently experiences earthquakes due to its location on multiple tectonic plates. Last year, a 5.9 magnitude quake near Turkey killed three and injured over 800.

The UK issued a heatwave alert as temperatures reached 26°C, drawing amused reactions from Indian social media users familiar with much higher temperatures. The Met Office forecasts highs of 30°C, warning of possible thunderstorms. One user quipped, “26°C is a heatwave in the UK? How did they ever survive ruling India with our 40°C summers?” Another commented, “It's odd how people in the UK consider 26°C a heatwave, especially considering they once ruled India.” India, enduring one of its harshest heatwaves, has seen temperatures soar to 50°C in some areas, making the UK’s alert seem mild in comparison.

A severe heatwave has struck Delhi, UP, Haryana, Punjab, and other north Indian states, prompting a red alert from the India Meteorological Department. Temperatures have soared above 46°C, with Bihar reporting 22 heat-related deaths in 24 hours. Delhi's "feels-like" temperature reached 50°C, causing flight delays due to technical issues. The national capital's maximum temperature is expected to remain around 45°C, 6 degrees higher than normal. While scattered rains and dust storms may bring slight relief from Wednesday, no long-term respite is forecast. The heatwave has disrupted daily life, with authorities urging caution and necessary precautions.

A severe heat wave has struck north India, with Delhi experiencing a record 45.2°C on Monday. The capital is under a 'red' alert, with a severe water crisis exacerbating the situation. The India Meteorological Department predicts some relief in the form of thunderstorms and light rain from an approaching weather disturbance. Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar are also expected to face severe heat wave conditions until June 19 and 18, respectively. In contrast, Chennai and surrounding areas received overnight rains, bringing respite from the sweltering heat. The heat wave has sparked a political row, with opposition parties criticizing the ruling AAP over the water crisis.

Wildfires in California continue to wreak havoc, with the Post Fire in Los Angeles County consuming nearly 15,000 acres and forcing the evacuation of 1,200 people from Hungry Valley State Park. In Northern California, the Point Fire in Sonoma County has burned over 1,000 acres, prompting evacuation orders as structures were destroyed. Firefighters are battling the blazes, aided by aircraft and ground crews, but high winds and dry conditions are fueling the flames. Residents in affected areas are urged to be prepared for potential evacuation as the fires remain largely uncontained.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab due to severe heatwave conditions. Temperatures in Delhi reached 44°C on Monday and are expected to rise further. The heatwave will continue until June 19. Meanwhile, northeastern states are experiencing heavy rainfall. IMD forecasts continuous rain in Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur for the next 3-5 days. Heavy rains in Sikkim have caused landslides and floods, resulting in one death and several injuries. An orange alert for thunderstorms has been issued for parts of Madhya Pradesh.

Alarm bells are ringing as the Hindu Kush Himalaya region faces a severe snow deficit, threatening water security for millions. A report by ICIMOD reveals snow persistence is significantly lower this year, prompting experts to urge water management officials to initiate drought management strategies. The region's frozen water sources supply freshwater to 240 million people and benefit 1.65 billion others downstream. Snowmelt accounts for 23% of the water flow in 12 major river basins, but levels are currently 20% below normal, with the western region hit hardest. This crisis demands immediate attention to prevent severe water shortages.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red warnings for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh due to ongoing severe heat wave conditions. Temperatures are expected to peak until June 18, with relief anticipated from June 19 as a fresh western disturbance brings scattered rainfall and thunderstorms. The delayed monsoon, currently stalled since June 11, is expected to advance by late June, potentially reaching Delhi and neighboring regions around June 27.

Delhi and Himachal Pradesh are grappling with intense heatwaves, with temperatures soaring above average. Delhi has been issued an "orange" alert for the next three days, with temperatures expected to reach 44.6°C. The capital is also facing a water crisis, prompting protests by the Delhi Congress. In Himachal Pradesh, Shimla has broken records with temperatures breaching 30°C, with an extensive heatwave warning issued for the next three days in several districts, including Shimla, Kullu, and Mandi. The heatwave has led to clear skies and hot conditions, with temperatures expected to remain high in the coming days.