New Delhi: The Indian Metrological Department (IMD) has reported Delhi’s temperature at Mumgeshpur area touching 52.9°C on Wednesday, the highest ever temperature recorded in India. The unprecedentedly high temperature had sparked a debate on accuracy of the data recorded by IMD and its implications on human lives.
“The maximum temperature over Delhi NCR varied from 45.2° to 49.1°C in different parts of city, Mungeshpur reported 52.9°C as an outlier compared to other stations. It could be due to error in the sensor or the local factor. IMD is examining the data and sensor,” said IMD.
However, northern states including Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab are facing an intense heatwave conditions with day temperature hovering around 50 degree Celsius. Mercury crossed past 50 degree Celsius in Rajasthan and Haryana.
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Churu hottest in Rajasthan
IMD foresaw no reprieve from scorching heat for another two days. Rajasthan remained under the grip of intense heatwave for the 17th consecutive day on Tuesday. Churu was assessed to be the hottest place in Rajasthan, where temperature went up to 50.5 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature in the state was recorded almost 5 degrees above the normal.
As many as three persons have died due to the heatstroke in Jaipur on Tuesday, according to the state health department release. Total toll due to the heatwave in the state has risen to four. Two women from Delhi and Karnataka, both aged 63, and a 40-year-old man from Agra, who were undergoing treatment at Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur succumbed to the heatstroke.
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Sirsa sizzles at 50.3°C
Sirsa in Haryana sizzled at 50.3 deg C on Tuesday, while average maximum temperature at 18 other stations was recorded 44°C during peak hours. Hisar, Narnaul and Rohtak also witnessed abnormally high temperature. People in the foothills of Shivalik ranges in Panchkula and Chandigarh had a blistering summer like Ambala and Karnal. The day temperature crossed 48°C in NCR district of Karnal, Faridabad, Gurugram and Sonipat.
Max temperatures at important places
Balsamand in Hisar witnessed mercury touching 49.3°C mark, while Nuh witnessed 49°C, Mahendragarh 48.8°C and Jind recorded 48.7°C. Narnaul (48.5°C), Hisar and Faridabad (48.4°C), Jhajjar (48.2°C), Charkhi Dadri (48.1°C), Ottu in Sirsa (48°C), Bawal in Rewari (47.7°C), Rohtak (47.5°C), Mahendragarh outer (47.2°C), Gurugram (47°C), Karnal (46.5°C), Palwal (46.4°C), Sonipat (46.1°C), Karnal outer (45.9°C), Panipat outer (45.4°C), and Panchkula (45°C). Just three locations recorded temperature between 44 and 45°C during peak hours.
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Delhi records all-time high temperature
Dry and hot wind blowing from Rajasthan sent Delhi’s day temperature soaring to an all-time high on record with mercury shooting up to 52.9°C, which was 11 deg C above normal in Mungeshpur. Najafgarh had experienced 49.8°C on Tuesday. Several areas of the city, including Pitampura, Pusa and Jafarpur, also experienced severe heatwave conditions.
Doctors’ advise to stay indoors and hydrated
Medical experts say that surrounding temperatures exceeding 42°C may make people are prone to heat stroke. Continuous exposure such high temperature can lead to an elevation in core body temperature, often exceeding 104°F (40°C), which could affect central nervous system. “Extreme dehydration occurs in the body when body’s thermoregulatory mechanisms behaves abnormally. In such situation, people must take recourse to medical help,” said a doctor.
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Bihar orders shutting down of teaching activities
Waking up to extremely high temperature, the education department in Bihar on Wednesday ordered closure of all education activities, including classes in schools and coaching institute till June 8 in view of the prevailing heatwave conditions. Day temperature at several districts like Gaya, Aurangabad and Kaimur recorded above 46°C, while Patna boiled at 42°C.
