India experienced its highest-ever temperature of 52.3°C today, recorded at 2:30 PM in Mungeshpur, Delhi. Kuldeep Srivastava from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) explained that hot winds from Rajasthan first impact Delhi’s outskirts, making areas like Mungeshpur, Narela, and Najafgarh highly susceptible.
This temperature is over nine degrees above normal, breaking the 2002 record of 49.2°C. It also rained in Delhi briefly on Wednesday evening, which is likely to raise the humidity level. The IMD issued a red alert for Delhi, warning of heat illness risks, especially for vulnerable people. Climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense heatwaves in India.
India is familiar with scorching summer temperatures, but scientific research shows climate change is making heatwaves longer, more frequent, and more intense. Delhi reported a record high power demand of 8,302 megawatts (MW) during the heatwave as residents increased air conditioning use. Rajasthan also experienced extreme temperatures, with Phalodi at 51°C and Sirsa in Haryana at 50.3°C. A 4°C drop in southern Rajasthan due to moist winds from the Arabian Sea suggests the heatwave may ease. Predictions indicate cooler temperatures extending northwards by May 30, with more relief from Bay of Bengal winds expected in Uttar Pradesh.