India is reeling under an intense heatwave, making it feel like a furnace, with Delhi's temperatures breaking records. The national capital soared past the 52°C mark on Wednesday. Mungeshpur in Delhi registered a scorching 52.9°C — the city's highest recorded temperature. However, the Indian Meteorological Department is investigating regional weather center sensors and data for any possible errors. Central Minister Kiren Rijiju has questioned this figure. IMD later clarified that the record temperature exceeding 52°C in Mungeshpur was likely due to a 'sensor error or local factors,' which is currently under investigation.
No one imagined Delhi would experience desert-like heat, which on Wednesday, surpassed even Dubai's temperatures. This has been the hottest day in Delhi's history. A severe heatwave has gripped not only the national capital but large parts of North India in recent days. At least three weather stations in Delhi - Mungeshpur, Narela, and Najafgarh - recorded nearly 50°C temperatures on Tuesday too.
Source: aajtak
Sensor and Data Check of the Weather Station
IMD's data reflects that Delhi's primary weather station at Safdarjung Observatory had a maximum temperature of 46.8°C on Wednesday, a record high in 79 years. The same on June 17, 1945, was recorded at 46.7°C. In Mungeshpur, IMD has acknowledged that the unusually high temperature readings may be due to sensor errors or local factors and has launched an investigation. Reports indicate other city areas also saw significant heat, with Najafgarh registering 49.1°C, Pusa 49°C, and Narela 48.4°C.
IMD stated that in Delhi-NCR, the maximum temperatures varied from 45.2°C to 49.1°C. Mungeshpur recorded 52.9°C, suspected to be a result of sensor errors or local factors. IMD is examining the data and sensors. The Director-General of IMD, in a conversation with Aaj Tak, expressed that the figure seems abnormal comparing with all other NCR stations. A press release has been issued and a team sent on-site for investigation.
Central Minister Questions Data
Earlier, Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju, in an online post, commented, "This has not been officially confirmed yet. A 52.3°C temperature in Delhi is highly improbable. We have asked our senior officials in the IMD to verify the news reports. The official position will be communicated shortly."
Source: aajtak
Evening Weather Takes a Turn
Officials suggest the temperature in the national capital increased due to hot winds blowing in from Rajasthan. Evening brought an unexpected change, with some areas experiencing light drizzle. However, increasing humidity levels may add to the discomfort because the heatwave is expected to persist in the coming days. According to IMD, Wednesday's humidity ranged from 43% to 30% during the day in Delhi, and temperatures are continuously climbing as we approach the end of May.
Expectation of Thunderstorms and Light Rains on Thursday
IMD forecasts partly cloudy skies for Thursday with chances of dust storms accompanied by thunder, very light rain, and gusty winds reaching 25 to 35 kmph. Rain with strong winds is predicted in the next few hours for regions across UP, Haryana, and Delhi-NCR. IMD anticipates showers and drizzles in the areas around Sonipat, Rohtak, Hapur, Gulawati, Siyana, Sikandrabad, Bulandshahr and neighbouring regions within the next two hours. Meanwhile, wind speeds of 30-40 km/h are possible. Delhi areas like Najafgarh, Palam, and Aya Nagar may experience rain, as alarmed by IMD. Additionally, IMD forecasts the onset of monsoon in Kerala around May 30, following which heavy rainfall is expected in the state, although Kerala is already facing severe rain and waterlogging challenges.
Source: aajtak
Massive Spike in Power Demand Amidst Scorching Heat
Delhi has witnessed a surge in electricity demand due to the severe heat, surpassing 8,300 megawatts for the first time. Officials revealed that the maximum power demand reached 8,302 megawatts on Wednesday afternoon. This is the highest ever in the history of the national capital. Discom officials had predicted that the power demand might reach a peak of 8,200 megawatts this summer. According to Delhi's State Load Dispatch Center, the peak power demand at 15:36:32 was 8,302 megawatts. The previous highest was recorded earlier this month when it reached 8,000 megawatts on May 22. The city has been enduring long durations of intense heat with temperatures nearly reaching 50°C in several areas including Najafgarh, Mungeshpur and Narela.
Workers to Avoid Outdoor Labor from Noon to 3 PM
In light of the extreme heat affecting most of India's plains, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena has made a significant decision. The LG has instructed that laborers are to be given a break from work between 12 and 3 PM during this intense heat. Furthermore, no deductions will be made from their salary for these relief hours. According to the LG’s directives, workers are to be granted paid leave during noon to 3 PM. Construction sites must provide ample water and coconut water for workers, and similar provisions for bus stands have also been ordered.
Over 100 Students Faint in Bihar
In Bihar, over 100 school children fainted due to the sweltering heat, necessitating their hospitalization for treatment. In Sheikhpura, 50 students were affected, along with 18 in Begusarai and 6 in Samastipur, while similar incidents were also reported in Nawada, Lakhisarai, Munger, and Vaishali due to the heatwave. The maximum temperature in Bihar is around 48°C, and schools, not equipped to handle such heat, seem like ovens. Recognizing this, the Bihar government has decided to shut down all government schools. Meanwhile, in Rajasthan, the heatwave has claimed 51 lives, including 21 deaths in the past 48 hours, one of whom was a BSF soldier who died suddenly while serving at the border in Jaisalmer.
