Discover
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What is the reason behind the heatwave in Delhi?
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How to stay hydrated in the heat?
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Which city holds the country’s all-time heat record?
Summer this year is breaking all the records. Delhi heatwave has sent temperatures soaring to nearly 50 degrees Celsius in May. It highlights the extreme heatwave conditions that are affecting northern India.
Here’s a table of temperatures recorded at different weather stations across Delhi.
| Place | Temperature |
| Safdarjung | 46.8 degrees celsius |
| Mungeshpur | 52.3 degrees celsius |
| Narela | 49.9 degrees celsius |
| Najafgarh | 49 degrees celsius |
| Pitampura | 48.5 degrees celsius |
| Pusa | 48.5-degree celsius |
Moreover, nearby states like Punjab and Haryana also saw temperatures soar, with one place in Rajasthan topping the 50 degrees Celsius (122 F) mark. The desert state’s Phalodi town holds the country’s all-time heat record, hitting 51 degrees Celsius (124 F) in 2016. Additionally, the brutal weather has forced schools in several cities and raised the risk of heatstrokes for people working outdoors.
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Why is Delhi Burning?
According to experts heatwaves from Rajasthan is a key factor in contributing to the extreme heat in Delhi. Mahesh Palawat, vice president of Meteorology and Climate Change at Skymet Weather said, “In open areas with vacant land, there is increased radiation. Direct sunlight and lack of shade make these regions exceptionally hot.”
“Parts of Delhi are particularly susceptible to the early arrival of these hot winds, worsening the already severe weather. Areas like Mungeshpur, Narela and Najafgarh are the first to experience the full force of these hot winds,” Kuldeep Srivastava, the regional head of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
The IMD attributes severe heatwaves in northwest and central India as a combination of factors including the lack of rainfall, strong dry and warm winds, and an anti-cyclonic circulation over southwest Rajasthan and adjoining Gujarat. Furthermore, IMD forecasts similar conditions for Delhi-NCR on Wednesday, with a potential temperature drop on Thursday due to western disturbances. Light Drizzle is predicted for Friday and Saturday, which may further cool the region.
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A Rise In Heat-Related Illness & Deaths
As the temperature continues to rise, India has so far recorded 60 deaths. According to reports, since 1 March, 32 people have died due to heatstroke and 28 from suspected heatstroke, with the latest two suspected deaths reported in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan’s Kota.
On Friday, six deaths due to suspected heat stroke were reported in Rajasthan, where temperatures soared to 49 degrees Celsius. According to the state’s Disaster Management and Relief Department, three people died in Balotra, and one each in Bhilwara, Bikaner, and Jodhpur. Hospitals are seeing an increase in footfall due to high body temperature, dehydration, nausea and vomiting, and dullness. There are indirect reasons for illnesses like water-borne illnesses because of intake of contaminated water to cut down on heat-related dehydration.
Also Read: What Are The Benefits of Keeping Your Body Hydrated?
Preventive Measures To Take To Protect From Delhi Heatwave?
Given below is a list of do’s and don’t that one should keep in mind during these heatwave conditions:
- Avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12.00 noon and 3.00 p.m.
- Keep yourself hydrated and keep drinking water.
- Stay indoors as much as possible.
- Wear lightweight, loose, light-coloured cotton clothes.
- If you have to step out of the house, use protective goggles, an umbrella/hat, shoes or chappals.
- Avoid working outside between 12 noon and 3 p.m.
- If you are travelling remember to carry a bottle of water with you.
- Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and soft drinks as it dehydrates your body.
- Do not eat stale food.
- People working outside should wear a hat or an umbrella and also keep a damp cloth on their head, neck, face, and limbs.
- Don’t leave your children or pets in the parked vehicles.
- If you feel ill, see a doctor immediately.
- Use ORS, homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, buttermilk, etc. which help to rehydrate the body.
- Keep animals in the shade and give them plenty of water to drink.
- Keep your home cool, use curtains, shutters or sunshades and open windows at night.
- Use fans, and damp clothing and take a bath in cold water frequently.
- Take care of the elderly, children, and people who are sick and overweight as they can become victims of excessive heat.
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Summing Up
This year, Delhi has experienced record-breaking temperatures, nearing 50 degrees Celsius. Various areas, such as Mungeshpur and Narela, recorded highs of 49.9°C. It reflects the severe heatwave conditions affecting northern India. Experts attribute the extreme heat to heatwaves from Rajasthan and a combination of factors including dry winds and lack of rainfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest temperature recorded in Delhi today?
52.3 degrees Celsius in Delhi. It is the highest ever for capital.
Which is the hottest period in Delhi?
May to July is the hottest period in Delhi.
Which state is the hottest in India?
Rajasthan is the hottest state in India.
Which is the coldest city in India?
Dras Valley is known as the coldest place in India.
Why is 2024 very hot?
According to scientists human-induced global warming, boosted temporarily by El Nino, is the primary reason for this record-breaking heat.
Which are the top ten refreshing drinks to beat the heat?
The top ten refreshing drinks to drink this summer are:
- Lassi
- Buttermilk
- Aam Panna
- Sharbat
- Kokum Sharbat
- Jal Jeera
- Thandai
- Coconut Water
- Bel Sharbat
- Sattu Drink
