Is It Really 52.9 Degrees in Delhi? Weather Chief Investigates
30.05.2024: A weather station in Delhi has recorded an unprecedented temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius, sparking investigations by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
IMD Investigates Temperature Reading
The IMD’s Mungeshpur automatic weather station reported this record-breaking temperature, prompting IMD Director General M Mohapatra to verify the sensor’s accuracy. With 20 monitoring stations across Delhi, 14 of them showed a drop in temperature, averaging between 45 and 50 degrees Celsius. The Mungeshpur station stands out as an anomaly.
Verification of the Reading
Specialists have been dispatched to Mungeshpur to check the temperature sensor. Dr. Mohapatra speculates that local factors might be influencing the high reading. The IMD issued a statement acknowledging that the maximum temperature in Delhi NCR ranged from 45.2 to 49.1 degrees Celsius, with Mungeshpur’s 52.9 degrees as an outlier potentially due to sensor error or local conditions.
Official Statements and Further Actions
Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized that the 52.9 degrees Celsius reading is not yet official and tasked IMD officials with verifying the report. The official position will be announced soon.
Reasons Behind Rising Temperatures
IMD regional head Kuldeep Srivastava explained that Delhi’s outskirts are the first to be impacted by hot winds from Rajasthan. Areas like Mungeshpur, Narela, and Najafgarh are particularly vulnerable to these early hot winds, exacerbating the severe weather conditions. The temperature in Delhi soared more than nine degrees above expected levels, breaking the previous record of 49.2 degrees Celsius set in 2002.
While the 52.9 degrees Celsius reading in Mungeshpur is under investigation, Delhi is undeniably experiencing extreme heat. The IMD’s verification process will provide clarity on this unprecedented temperature report. Meanwhile, residents are advised to take precautions during this intense heatwave.