Delhi Swelters Under Scorching Heat, Maximum Temperature Soars Close to 50 Degrees Celsius
Delhi faced a scorching heatwave on Tuesday, May 28, with maximum temperatures hitting unprecedented levels. Two weather stations, Mungeshpur and Narela, recorded the highest temperatures at 49.9 degrees Celsius.
Other parts of the city also experienced extreme heat, with manual observatories at Aya Nagar and Ridge reaching 47.6 degrees Celsius and 47.5 degrees Celsius, respectively. The city’s Observatory, Najafgarh, Pitampura, and Pusa also recorded their highest temperatures: 45.8 degrees Celsius, 49.8 degrees Celsius, and 48.5 degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for May 29 and 30 in six states, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Western UP, and Madhya Pradesh, warning of severe heatwave conditions.
According to IMD Scientist Dr. Naresh Kumar, the heatwave has persisted in North-West India for the past two weeks, with temperatures exceeding 47 degrees Celsius. He added that a red alert has been sounded for several states and that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are expected to continue.
However, Dr. Kumar also mentioned that western disturbances are expected to bring some relief, causing a drop in temperatures and a gradual improvement in conditions. He added that clouds were seen in the Arabian Sea and that the onset of monsoon is possible in Kerala in the next 3-4 days, which could provide some respite from the extreme heat.
The IMD has also forecast a higher number of heatwave days in northwest India and adjoining parts of the central region in June. According to IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, this region typically experiences two to three heatwave days in June, but four to six days are expected this year.
The severe heatwave is putting a strain on the power grid, leading to increased demand for electricity. Additionally, water shortages are being reported in parts of the country, as the Central Water Commission has reported that water storage in 150 major reservoirs has dropped to just 24% of their live storage capacity.
