Delhi's 52.9°C Temperature Has IMD Questioning Accuracy, Citing Possible 'Sensor Error'

Delhi temperature today: Delhi has just reached a record-breaking temperature of over 52 degrees Celsius, a staggering figure that has even the India Meteorological Department (IMD) questioning its accuracy. This unprecedented heatwave is raising alarms and sparking urgent discussions about the city's climate and future.

Exceptionally high temperatures

Delhi's Mungeshpur recorded a temperature of over 52 degrees Celsius.

Also read: India Sizzles, Rajasthan Locals Seek Hope In Titahari Bird Eggs For Good Rainfall

According to the IMD, the maximum temperature across Delhi NCR varied from 45.2 degrees Celsius to 49.1 degrees Celsius in different parts of the city. 

Delhi is facing extreme heatwave | Image: File

However, an exceptionally high reading of 52.9°C was reported in Mungeshpur, standing out as an outlier. 

The IMD suggests this unusually high reading could be due to a sensor error or specific local factors affecting the measurement. Now IMD is "examining the data and sensors."

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju posted on X later in the day, "It is not official yet. Temperature of 52.3°C in Delhi is very unlikely. Our senior officials in IMD have been asked to verify the news report. The official position will be stated soon."

Meanwhile, officials have issued red alerts, emphasising the severe health risks and urging precautions.

Tips for surviving the heatwave

Here are guidelines for coping with hot weather:

Stay out of the heat

• Avoid going outside if possible.
• Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
• Wear sunscreen, a hat, and light cotton clothes.
• Avoidexercise or activity that make you hotter.

Dietary tips

• Avoid salty, spicy, oily, and high-protein foods.
• Avoid cooking during peak hours.

Cool yourself down

• Drink ORS and homemade summer drinks (coconut water, lemon water, buttermilk) to stay hydrated.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and hot drinks.
• Take cool showers or apply cool water to your skin/clothes.

Keep Your Living Space Cool

• Close windows during the day.
• Open windows at night when the temperature drops.

A look at temperatures across India

The IMD mentioned in an official release that heatwave conditions are likely to reduce over the next 2-3 days. Rainfall, thunderstorms, and southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea to northwest India are expected to contribute to a gradual fall in temperature.

Temperature across India

Earlier in the day, parts of Delhi-NCR experienced a sudden change in weather, with light showers providing some respite from the heatwave.

Meanwhile, Cyclone Remal's impact is being felt in northeast Assam and nearby regions, bringing light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms to Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim over the next seven days.

The IMD also predicts light to moderate rainfall in Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, and Odisha for the next five days, with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds expected on May 31 and June 1.

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