In response to the situation, a red alert has been issued in the national capital, advising residents to take precautions against the dangerous heatwaves.
Digital Desk: Delhi experienced its highest-ever temperature recorded at 52.3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This temperature was reported by the Mungeshpur weather office, situated on the outskirts of the national capital, at 2:30 pm.
A severe heatwave alert has been in effect for Delhi and several other northern and central Indian states in recent days as temperatures soared to unprecedented levels across multiple districts, as per IMD data.
The temperature surge occurred just a day after Delhi came close to hitting 50 degrees Celsius at three of its weather stations in the outskirts. Locations such as Mungeshpur, Narela, and Najafgarh have been consistently reporting extreme temperatures. Earlier, Rajasthan's Churu district recorded the highest temperature of the season at 50.5 degrees Celsius.
Experts attribute the heat waves from Rajasthan as a significant factor contributing to the extreme temperatures in the capital. Mahesh Palawat, vice president of Meteorology and Climate Change at Skymet Weather, explained, “Open areas with sparse vegetation experience higher radiation. Lack of shade and direct sunlight intensify the heat in these regions.”
Kuldeep Srivastava, the regional head of IMD, highlighted, “Certain parts of Delhi are particularly vulnerable to the early arrival of these hot winds, exacerbating the already severe conditions. Areas like Mungeshpur, Narela, and Najafgarh bear the brunt of these hot winds first.”
In response to the situation, a red alert has been issued in the national capital, advising residents to take precautions against the dangerous heatwaves. Authorities are urging people to stay indoors, stay hydrated, and minimize exposure to the sun during peak hours.
A heatwave is declared over a region "when the actual maximum temperature remains 45 degrees Celsius or higher, regardless of the normal maximum temperature," as stated by the Centre. According to the IMD, a heatwave is declared "if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius or higher for plains, 37 degrees Celsius or higher for coastal stations, and at least 30 degrees Celsius or higher for hilly regions" for two or more consecutive days.
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