The relentless summer heat scorched Delhi on Wednesday, pushing temperatures to a record 52.3°C at 3:15 PM in Mungeshpur, located in the citys northwestern fringes. This temperature is the highest ever recorded in India, as the unprecedented heat wave continued to grip the Capital. Other parts of Delhi were also extremely hot, with temperatures surpassing 50°C in Janakpuri and reaching 46.8°C at the Safdarjung station, the official reading for Delhi. This marks the hottest day in nearly 80 years and the second hottest day ever in the city. You must have often heard about the heat of Dubai. Dubai is a hot desert. It is generally said that it is very difficult to live a life without AC in Dubai. The maximum temperature recorded there was 55 degrees. Previous Heat RecordsIndias earlier heat record was 51°C, recorded in Phalodi, Rajasthan, on May 19, 2016. The only hotter day recorded at Safdarjung was on May 29, 1944, with a maximum temperature of 47.2°C. Wednesdays maximum narrowly surpassed the previous second-highest temperature of 46.5°C on May 29, 1998.Official Statements and VerificationThe IMD initially reported a maximum of 52.9°C at Mungeshpur in its evening bulletin but later retracted this reading, citing potential errors or local factors. Union Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju stated in a post on X that such a reading in Delhi was very unlikely and that senior IMD officials were asked to verify the report. The official position was to be clarified soon.Weather Relief and PredictionsIn the evening, a brief spell of rain and a dust storm brought temporary relief. The IMD predicted that temperatures might drop over the next few days due to a western disturbance, which could also bring showers to the city.Heatwave and Urban Heat Island EffectThe maximum temperature was 13 degrees above normal in Mungeshpur and six degrees above normal in Safdarjung. Average readings for Janakpuri were not available. The extreme temperatures in Mungeshpur were likely exacerbated by the urban heat island effect, where dense concrete structures absorb and magnify heat. Experts noted that Delhi was experiencing an unusually hot summer, with hot westerly winds contributing to a prolonged dry spell.Severe heatwaveA heatwave has enveloped vast areas of northern India for days, with temperatures significantly above normal, even exceeding 50°C in some places. The IMD declares a heatwave in the plains when the maximum temperature is 40°C or higher and at least 4.5°C above normal. A severe heatwave is declared if the temperature is 6.5°C or more above normal. The humidity exacerbated the situation, with Safdarjung recording a heat index of 59°C. At Safdarjung, Palam, Ridge, Ayanagar, and Lodhi Road stations, temperatures are logged manually using mercury thermometers. These manual readings are considered more accurate.
