According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, Delhi’s Mungeshpur weather office, located on the outskirts of the city, reported a temperature of 52 degrees Celsius at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
There have recently been reports of extreme temperatures in Mungeshpur, Narela, and Najafgarh weather offices. Delhi nearly reached 50 degrees Celsius at three of its weather stations in the outer areas a day earlier.
Experts have attributed heatwaves from Rajasthan to be a key contributing factor to the extreme heat in Delhi. Mahesh Palawat, vice-president of Meteorology and Climate Change at Skymet Weather, said, “In open areas with vacant land, there is increased radiation. Direct sunlight and lack of shade make these regions exceptionally hot.”
“Parts of Delhi are particularly susceptible to the early arrival of these hot winds, worsening the already severe weather. Areas like Mungeshpur, Narela and Najafgarh are the first to experience the full force of these hot winds,” Kuldeep Srivastava, the regional head of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
In light of the situation, a red alert has been issued in the nation’s capital, warning residents to take precautions against the deadly heatwaves. Officials are urging residents to stay indoors, stay hydrated, and avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun during peak hours.
According to the Centre, a heatwave is declared over a region when the actual maximum temperature remains at 45 degrees Celsius or more irrespective of the normal maximum temperature.
According to the IMD, a heatwave is declared “if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius or more for plains, 37 degrees Celsius or more for coastal stations and at least 30 degrees Celsius or more for Hilly region” for two or more days.
According to IMD, Delhi is also experiencing warm nighttime conditions, which are expected to persist until June 2.
