On May 27, 2024, New Delhi recorded its highest-ever temperature, soaring to an unprecedented 52.3 degrees Celsius. This extreme heatwave has severe implications, highlighting the urgent need to address climate change and its escalating impacts on vulnerable regions like India. Prior to this, Bangladesh was also recording extreme heat waves, which resulted in schools being forced to close down as the temperatures were too high for day-to-day activities to continue on as normal. And now, as Bangladesh faces extreme downpours due to a deadly cyclone, neighbouring country India is facing extreme heat waves, highlighting the extremely negative effects of climate change.
Delhi recorded a high temperature of 41.2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, two degrees above
average, and a low temperature of 22.9 degrees Celsius, three degrees below average. There was a
69% to 17% range in humidity. With a maximum temperature of 43.8 degrees Celsius, Najafgarh
turned out to be the hottest part of the city.
According to climate experts, global warming is making extreme weather events more common and severe. The goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is becoming increasingly challenging to achieve, with current trends suggesting a dire future if significant measures are not taken.
The Indian Meteorological Department has confirmed the record-breaking temperature, surpassing the previous high and setting a new, alarming benchmark for the city. Such extreme temperatures pose significant risks to public health, infrastructure, and the economy. One of the biggest concerns is the possibility of water scarcity, as the high temperatures often lead to the evaporation of water from reservoirs and rivers, exacerbating water scarcity issues. With this, Water Minister Atishi Marlena has called out to be more mindful and take ‘collective responsibility’ in order to stop wasteful water use. Although India is no stranger to the extreme heat waves in the summer period, with the negative effects of climate change the fluctuating weather and temperatures have been impacting regions all around the world, including India.
Delhi weather: weekly rorecast
The maximum temperature in the city is predicted to reach 44 degrees Celsius starting on Friday,
while the minimum temperature will be at 25 degrees Celsius. Conditions will get harder on
Saturday as scorching winds that can reach speeds of up to 35 km/h will intensify the heatwave. It is expected to stay extremely hot for the next five days, with highs between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius.
Stay Away From Afternoon Heat
Clear skies with bright sunshine are expected for Thursday, according to the IMD. It will be roughly
42 degrees Celsius at its highest point and 24 degrees Celsius at its lowest point. Residents will have several difficulties in the following days due to the extreme heat during the afternoon. The weather agency says there won’t be any breaks from this week’s intense heat. The challenges encountered by the residents of Delhi would worsen under conditions of a persistent heatwave with winds of 30- 35.
IMD Weather Updates: Delhi is expected to see an extraordinary spike in temperature as summer
officially arrives. The high temperature is predicted to reach 44 degrees Celsius starting on Friday
and rise to 45 degrees Celsius by Saturday. Residents are cautioned of extreme heatwave conditions on Saturday by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), which has issued a Yellow Alert (Heat Wave). Delhi: Extreme Weather Conditions.
Heatwave Alert: With temperatures predicted to reach 45 degrees Celsius on Saturday, the IMD has issued a Yellow Alert signaling extreme heatwave conditions.
Area-Specific Highs: The heat in certain places is very severe, as seen by the temperatures in Najafgarh and Mungeshpur, which are approaching or above 43 degrees Celsius.
Warm Winds: The heatwave’s severity will be increased by hot winds that are predicted to blow between 25 and 35 km/h.
Extreme Heat: Over the next five days, the maximum temperature will constantly fluctuate between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius, with no sign of relief in sight.
Severe Midday Conditions: People should brace themselves for intense heat, especially around midday, which will be very difficult.
Residents of Delhi are urged to take the appropriate safety measures to stay hydrated and shield
themselves from the harsh noon sun as the city prepares for one of the hottest summers on record.