Delhi hits record-breaking 52.3 degrees C, its highest-ever temperature

Delhi heatwave updates: Delhi's Mungeshpur weather office, located on the outskirt, reported its temperature at 52.3 degree Celsius at 2:30 pm

Temperature in Delhi soared to its highest-ever level on Wednesday at 52.3 degrees Celsius, India Meteorological Department (IMD) data showed. The national capital’s Mungeshpur weather office, located on the outskirts, reported this temperature at 2:30 pm.

A severe heatwave alert has been in place for Delhi and other north and central Indian states for the past few days as temperatures reached their highest maximum in multiple districts, IMD data indicated.

The surge in temperature was recorded a day after Delhi nearly reached 50 degrees Celsius at three of its weather stations in the outer areas. Mungeshpur, Narela, and Najafgarh weather offices have been reporting extreme temperatures recently. Earlier, Rajasthan's Churu was reported to be the warmest district of the season at 50.5 degrees Celsius.

Experts have attributed heatwaves from Rajasthan as a key contributing factor for the extreme temperature in the capital. 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 IMD, stated.

In view of the situation, a red alert has been issued in the national capital, warning residents to take precautions against the deadly heatwaves. Authorities are urging people to stay indoors, remain hydrated, and avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun during peak hours.

A heatwave is declared over a region “when the actual maximum temperature remains 45 degrees Celsius or more irrespective of the normal maximum temperature,” the Centre states.

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 regions” for two or more days.

Delhi is also experiencing warm night conditions, which will continue to prevail till June 2, the IMD noted.