Delhi’s Mungeshpur recently made history by registering a blistering temperature of 52.3 degrees Celsius, marking the highest ever recorded temperature in India. This surpasses the previous record set in 2002 by a significant margin. The scorching heatwave has engulfed the region, with Mungeshpur experiencing temperatures soaring over nine degrees higher than usual, causing discomfort and distress among residents.
The extreme heatwave isn’t confined to Mungeshpur alone; several other parts of India are also grappling with intense heat. Phalodi in Rajasthan recorded a sweltering 51 degrees Celsius, while Sirsa in Haryana and Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh reported temperatures exceeding 50 and 48 degrees Celsius, respectively. The soaring temperatures have led to a surge in power demand, with Delhi witnessing its highest-ever power demand of 8,302 megawatts.
Despite the oppressive heat, there’s a glimmer of relief on the horizon. Rainfall in northwest Delhi has provided some respite from the scorching temperatures. Additionally, a slight decrease in temperature, up to 4 degrees Celsius, has been observed in south Rajasthan districts like Barmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, attributed to moist winds from the Arabian Sea.
While the recent rainfall and drop in temperature offer temporary relief, the record-breaking heat in Mungeshpur and across India underscores the severity of the ongoing heatwave. It emphasizes the importance of preparedness and adaptation to extreme weather events, urging authorities and communities to take proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of such intense heatwaves.
