Delhi's 52.9°C record-breaking temperature not correct, rather a sensor issue, confirms IMD

Temperature Anomaly in Delhi

In different parts of the national capital and neighbouring NCR, the maximum temperature varied from 45.2 degrees Celsius to 49.1 degrees Celsius. Mungeshpur reported 52.9 degrees Celsius as an outlier compared to other stations. However, the weather agency claimed that this discrepancy could be due to an error in the sensor or specific local factors.

“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.

Additionally, the IMD further said that the heatwave conditions will reduce during the coming 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.

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.”

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. https://t.co/uaZMfRac1q
— Kiren Rijiju (मोदी का परिवार) (@KirenRijiju) May 29, 2024

IMD Official Press Release

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. Before, the highest temperature was 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.

Expected Relief from Heatwave

The IMD mentioned in an official release that heatwave conditions are likely to reduce during the next 2-3 days. Rainfall, thunderstorms, and southwesterly winds blowing from the Arabian Sea to northwest India are expected to contribute to the gradual fall in temperature. Earlier in the day, parts of Delhi-NCR witnessed a sudden change in weather, with light showers providing some respite from the heatwave.

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.