Explained: Why Have Temperatures Reached Record Highs In India?

While every year temperatures in India tend to peak in the months of May and June, the number of heatwave days recorded over northwestern and eastern parts of the country this season have been more than double the normal

Several parts of India grappled with unusually high temperatures this week, forcing schools to close and hospitals to create special units to treat heat-related illnesses, while workers on construction sites were given a "paid holiday" in the afternoon.

Here is a look at what caused the unprecedented heat in the country.

HOW UNUSUAL HAS THE SITUATION BEEN THIS YEAR?