Delhi Temperature May Reach Record High in India

 

The scorching heat wave in India has rocked the nation as Delhi, the capital territory, recorded a blazing temperature that could potentially be the highest ever seen in the country. Initial reports indicated a temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius (126.1 degrees Fahrenheit) in a substation in Mungeshpur, a locality in Delhi. While officials noted this reading as an outlier and potentially influenced by sensor issues, if validated, it would stand as the highest temperature ever recorded in India.

Situated in the northwest, Delhi houses nearly 30 million residents within its 600 square miles. The Indian Meteorological Department flagged the Mungeshpur reading for review, suspecting a sensor malfunction or data error. Throughout Delhi, other substations reported temperatures ranging from 45.2 to 49.1 degrees Celsius, roughly equivalent to 113 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

As the heat wave grips India, residents in Delhi and surrounding states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh received a red weather alert on Tuesday and Wednesday. The alert, signaling "heat wave to severe heat wave" conditions, advised people to stay cool, hydrated and avoid unnecessary heat exposure. Tragically, several deaths have already been linked to the extreme weather conditions.

The Indian Meteorological Department issues red alerts for "extreme heat" signifying prolonged severe heat waves. These alerts caution individuals of all ages against developing heat-related illnesses, especially urging special care for vulnerable groups. A department spokesperson noted in the recent daily bulletin that the unrelenting heat wave across northern India is expected to subside starting Thursday.

Beyond Delhi, soaring temperatures were also reported in neighboring regions. In Rajasthan, a desert state known for its extreme heat, one substation recorded 50.5 degrees Celsius (nearly 123 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday, while Sirsa, a city farther north, documented 50.3 degrees Celsius (approximately 122.5 degrees Fahrenheit).

Heat waves are prevalent in India during this period. The Indian Meteorological Department keeps a close watch and issues alerts to ensure public safety amidst the blistering temperatures.