Delhi is approaching 50 degrees Celsius: what is causing extreme heat in the capital?
People use scarves to protect themselves from the scorching sun on a hot summer day, in Jaipur, Monday, May 27, 2024. (Photo: PTI)
Delhi reached nearly 50 degrees Celsius at three of its weather stations on Tuesday, highlighting the extreme heatwave conditions hitting northern India. The city’s official weather station in Safdarjung recorded a temperature of 45.8 degrees Celsius. However, the outskirts of Mungeshpur, Narela and Najafgarh reported temperatures above 49 degrees Celsius.
Mungeshpur and Narela recorded 49.9 degrees Celsius. This is nine steps above normal temperatures for this time of year. Najafgarh was recorded at 49.8 degrees Celsius, while Pitampura and Pusa recorded 48.5 degrees.
The extreme heat in Delhi has prompted authorities to take necessary measures to limit health risks such as heat stroke, dehydration and heart problems.
Why is the temperature rising in Delhi?
Experts have attributed head waves from Rajasthan as a major factor contributing to the extreme heat in Delhi. Mahesh Palawat, Vice President of Meteorology and Climate Change at Skymet Weather said: “In open areas with waste land, there is increased radiation. Direct sunlight and lack of shade make these areas exceptionally hot.”
“Parts of Delhi are particularly susceptible to the early arrival of these hot winds, exacerbating the already severe weather. Areas like Mungeshpur, Narela and Najafgarh are the first to experience the full force of these hot winds,” said Kuldeep Srivastava, the regional head of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
How is heat wave measured?
A heatwave is said to sweep over a region “when the actual maximum temperature remains 45 degrees Celsius or more, irrespective of the normal maximum temperature,” the Center said.
According to the IMD, a heat wave occurs “when 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 areas” for two or more days.
IMD weather forecast for May 29
Besides Delhi, many places in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh also reported their highest maximum temperature for the season on Tuesday. Considering the circumstances, the weather department has declared red alert in national capital Haryana-Chandigarh, parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, UP and other north Indian cities till May 29.
Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to gradually ease over central and northwestern India from May 30, the weather body forecast, adding that warm night conditions will continue to prevail in Delhi and adjoining regions till June 2.
First print: May 29, 2024 | 9:35 am IST