The India Meteorological Department-IMD reported that the temperature in Delhi surged to an unprecedented 51.4 degrees Celsius. This record-breaking heat was recorded in Mungeshpur, a suburb of Delhi, marking the first time the national capital has surpassed the 50-degree Celsius mark.
The IMD declared “severe heatwave conditions” in the region but also forecasted light rain or drizzle in isolated areas of Delhi. The capital is expected to experience a partly cloudy sky along with a dust storm or thunderstorm, accompanied by strong surface winds of 35-45 kmph during the day.
The severe heatwave is anticipated to gradually subside starting from May 30, according to the weather agency.
Amidst the extreme heat, Delhi’s peak power demand soared to 8,302 MW, the highest in the city’s history, as confirmed by DISCOM officials. This surpassed the previous record set just days earlier. For 12 consecutive days, Delhi’s peak power demand has exceeded 7,000 MW in 2024.
The IMD has issued a “red alert” for severe heatwave conditions across most parts of Haryana, Chandigarh-Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Additionally, heatwaves are expected in isolated pockets of Jammu, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh.
Since May 17, heatwave conditions have persisted in Haryana, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan, while Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have been grappling with similar conditions since May 18.
“It is now the second week of heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in North-West India, with temperatures exceeding 47 degrees Celsius. We had issued a Red Alert,” stated IMD Scientist Dr Naresh Kumar.
“For tomorrow, a red alert has been sounded in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Western UP, and Madhya Pradesh. Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions will prevail,” he added.
