The IMD stated in an official release that it is examining the data and sensors.
“The maximum temperature over Delhi NCR varied from 45.2 degree Celsius to 49.1 degrees Celsius in different parts of the city, Mungeshpur reported 52.9 degrees Celsius as an outlier compared to other stations. It could be due to an error in the sensor or the local factor. IMD is examining the data and sensors,” the release mentioned.
The IMD further said that the heatwave conditions will reduce during the next 2-3 days.
“It has rained at many places in Delhi in the afternoon resulting in further fall of temperature. Heatwave conditions will reduce during the next 2 – 3 days due to gradual fall in temperature in association with approaching western disturbance, rainfall/thunderstorm and southwesterly wind blowing from the Arabian Sea to northwest India,” the IMD release stated.
Unusual Temperature Readings in Delhi
According to the IMD, the maximum temperature across Delhi NCR varied from 45.2°C to 49.1°C in different parts of the city. However, an outlier was reported in Mungeshpur, where the temperature reached 52.9°C. This unusually high reading is suspected to be due either to an error in the sensor or specific local factors, stated the weather agency.
Record-Breaking Temperature in Mungeshpur
The Mungeshpur station recorded a temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius, the highest ever recorded in India. Dr. Mohapatra noted that Delhi has 20 monitoring stations, with 14 of them recording a drop in temperature. The average temperature across these stations was observed to be in the range of 45-50°C. The IMD is examining the sensor data from Mungeshpur to confirm the accuracy of the recorded temperature.
Northwest Delhi’s Mungeshpur reported the record-breaking temperature at 2.30 pm on May 29. Later in the day, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated, “The 52.3°C temperature report for Delhi is probably inaccurate, and IMD officials are verifying it. An official statement will be issued soon”.
Historical Temperature Data
The city recorded 49.9°C on May 28, the highest ever reported in 100 years. Some areas, such as Mungeshpur and Narela, registered temperatures of 49.9 degrees Celsius, 9 degrees Celsius above normal. Najafgarh also recorded 49.8 degrees Celsius. The highest temperature before this was clocked at 49.2°C in May 2022 in the national capital. Prior to May 28, the city recorded the highest temperature on May 16, 2022, at 49.2 degrees Celsius, which was reported to be the highest in the past 100 years.
Relief Amidst Heatwave
However, bringing some relief, the IMD reported light-intensity rain in some areas of the nation’s capital territory.
Record Peak Power Demand
According to DISCOM officials, the national capital’s peak power demand clocked 8302 MW, the highest ever in the history of the city. Delhi’s peak power demand had clocked 8000 MW on May 22. “12 days in a row Delhi’s peak power demand has crossed 7000 MW in 2024,” DISCOM officials told PTI.
Verification of Temperature Reading
However, RK Jenamani, senior scientist IMD, speaking to Moneycontrol declined to give an official reading of the temperature, saying the reading for the maximum temperature is flashed around 5.30 pm in the government-approved weather stations.
