By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
New Delhi, May 29, 2024 – The Indian capital experienced an unprecedented heat wave on Wednesday, with temperatures soaring to a record-breaking 52.9°C in Mungeshpur, a densely populated area in northwest Delhi. This marks the highest temperature ever recorded in the city, far surpassing previous highs of over 45°C.
The extreme heat has brought life to a standstill in Mungeshpur, where streets were deserted, and most shops remained closed as residents sought refuge indoors. In nearby Narela, community members distributed free cold drinks after temperatures reached 49.9°C on Tuesday.
“When we go outside it seems like someone is slapping our faces. It has become difficult to live in Delhi,” said resident Akash Nirmal, echoing the sentiments of many facing the oppressive heat.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is currently investigating the data and sensors from Mungeshpur, noting that its temperature readings were significantly higher than those of other stations in the city.
The intense heat has had severe impacts on daily life. “There is so much heat in Delhi that students are fainting, some are falling sick, some are facing dehydration. The students are facing a lot of trouble in this heat. The fans don’t work in our institutions,” said Nidhi, a student, highlighting the dire conditions in educational institutions.
According to Gufran Beig, chair professor at the Indian Institute of Science, the prolonged heat wave is attributed to an unusual transition from El Nino to La Nina and a lack of moisture-bringing winds. El Nino, characterized by the warming of Pacific waters, typically brings drier conditions to the Indian subcontinent, while unusually cold Pacific temperatures mark La Nina. “We suspect that it is all associated with climate change,” Beig told Reuters.
Despite a brief respite brought by light rain in parts of Delhi later on Wednesday, weather officials expect the extreme heat to continue through the week in northwest and central India.
The local government has implemented measures to address the crisis, including restrictions on water supply due to shortages and a 2,000 rupee ($24) fine for wasting water, such as washing cars. Authorities in Bihar have closed schools until June 8 following reports of students fainting from the heat.
Video footage from news agency ANI showed a girl lying on a classroom bench as teachers sprinkled water on her face and fanned her with a book, illustrating the severity of the situation.
The heat wave in Delhi is part of a broader trend of rising temperatures across Asia, which scientists attribute to human-driven climate change. Rajasthan has also been severely affected, with temperatures reaching 50°C in some districts. Since March, the state has reported four heat-related deaths and 451 cases of heat stroke on Wednesday alone.
In stark contrast, northeastern India has been battered by heavy rains following Cyclone Remal, resulting in at least 27 deaths in Mizoram due to landslides and the collapse of a stone quarry. Parts of Assam, bordering Bangladesh, are also experiencing severe flooding.
The extreme weather conditions across India highlight the urgent need for adaptive measures and sustainable solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change.