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While the IMD’s automated weather station recorded the temperature, meteorologist Soma Sen Roy indicated that the accuracy of this reading is under review. This extreme temperature surpassed the previous national record of 51 degrees Celsius set in Phalodi, Rajasthan, in 2016. As the national capital grapples with this intense heat, officials have issued red alerts, emphasizing the severe health risks and urging precautions.
“The maximum temperature over Delhi NCR varied from 45.2° to 49.1°C in different parts of city, Mungeshpur reported 52.9°C as an outlier compared to other stations. It could be due to error in the sensor or the local factor. IMD is examining the data and sensors,” the IMD said in a statement.
In a post on X, Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju flagged the error, saying that the temperature of 52.3 degree Celsius in Delhi is “very unlikely.”
“It is not official yet. Temperature of 52.3°C in Delhi is very unlikely. Our senior officials in IMD have been asked to verify the news report. The official position will be stated soon,” Kiren Rijiju said in the post.
Symptoms and First Aid for various Heat Disorders:
| Heat Disorder | Symptoms | First Aid |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Rash | Skin redness and pain, possible swelling, blisters, fever, headaches. | Take a shower using soap to remove oils that may block pores preventing the body from cooling naturally. If blisters occur, apply dry, sterile dressings and seek medical attention. |
| Heat Cramps | Painful spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles or extremities. Heavy sweating. | Move to cool or shaded place. Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue. |
| Heat Exhaustion | Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale, headache and clammy extremities. Weak pulse. Normal temperature possible. Fainting, vomiting. | Get victim to lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloth. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place. Give sips of water slowly and if nausea occurs, discontinue. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention, call 108 and 102 for ambulance. |
| Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke) | High body temperature. Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness or altered mental status. Victim will likely not sweat. | Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 108 and 102 for ambulance for emergency medical services or take the victim to hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a cooler environment. Try spraying water, cold water on body & fan the wet body. If possible sponging or wet cloth sponging to reduce body temperature. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing. Use fans and/or air conditioners. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS ORALLY if the person is not conscious. |
FAQs
1. Did Delhi really record a temperature of 52.3 degrees Celsius?
Yes, according to the IMD, Delhi’s Mungeshpur area recorded a temperature of 52.3 degrees Celsius on May 29, 2024.
However, IMD meteorologist Soma Sen Roy mentioned that they are “checking out” the accuracy of the recording.
2. How does this temperature compare to previous records?
The recorded 52.3 degrees Celsius surpasses the previous national record of 51 degrees Celsius set in Phalodi, Rajasthan, in 2016. It also broke the 50C threshold for the first time in Delhi’s history.
3. What is the IMD’s response to this heatwave?
The IMD has issued a red alert for Delhi, warning of “severe heat-wave conditions” and highlighting the “very high likelihood of developing heat illness and heat stroke in all ages”. They are also reviewing the accuracy of the recorded temperature.
4. What measures are residents taking to cope with the heat?
Residents are adopting various measures such as staying indoors, using traditional remedies like aam panna (unripe mango juice), taking multiple baths, and keeping hydrated. Amit Kumar from Najafgarh mentioned, “We’re taking traditional remedies like aam panna (unripe mango juice) and using wet towels to stay cool and prevent fainting.”
5. What are the health implications of such high temperatures?
High temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and dehydration. Dr. Atul Mathur warned, “If you have not been drinking water, you will be dehydrated. For those who have pre-existing heart issues, their BP becomes high.”
6. How is the heatwave affecting daily life in Delhi?
The intense heat has strained daily activities and essential services. The electricity grid faced a record peak demand of 8,302 megawatts. Water shortages are a significant issue, with authorities ordering measures to prevent wastage. People are also facing severe challenges in commuting and outdoor work, as highlighted by residents like Jay Pandit, who said, “The hot wind feels like burning the skin, and it’s affecting my health.”
7. Are there any long-term implications of such extreme heat?
Years of scientific research suggest that climate change is causing heatwaves to become longer, more frequent, and more intense. This trend poses a growing threat to public health, infrastructure, and daily life in urban areas like Delhi.
8. What steps are being taken by the government?
The Delhi government has issued red alerts and health advisories, urging people to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours. They have also deployed teams to prevent water wastage and manage the city’s strained resources.
9. What are the future predictions regarding heatwaves in India?
The IMD has warned of continuing severe heatwave conditions across several northern states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The trend indicates that extreme weather events will likely become more frequent due to climate change.
(With inputs from agencies)
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