New Delhi: Amid extreme heat in Delhi-NCR, a weather station in the capital on Wednesday reported 52.9 degrees Celsius, the highest ever officially recorded temperature in India.
However, it is not "official" yet. IMD officials said the reading at Mungeshpur could be "due to sensor error or local factors" as it was significantly higher than the temperature at other stations - nearly 4 degrees (3.8) higher than the next highest temperature of 49.1 degrees Celsius (Najafgarh). The IMD said that though a city may have localised pockets of extreme heat, Mungeshpur is an 'automated weather station', which sometimes makes mistakes.
The maximum temperature in Delhi NCR ranged from 45.2 to 49.1 degrees Celsius in different parts. Compared to other stations, Mungeshpur reported 52.9°C...IMD is checking the data and sensors," it said. While Delhi falls in the heatwave zone of the country, temperatures of 50°C or above have so far been recorded only in a few areas of Rajasthan (including Phalodi, Churu and Alwar) and south-west Haryana (Sirsa).
Union Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju also posted on Twitter that the Mungeshpur reading was being checked. "It is not official yet. A temperature of 52.3°C in Delhi is very impossible. Our senior officials at IMD have been asked to verify the news report. The official status will be conveyed soon."
However, no revised data was shared for Mungeshpur till the filing of this report. Narela, the nearest station to Mungeshpur, had a maximum temperature of 48.4 degrees Celsius.
On Tuesday, both Mungeshpur and Narela had reported a maximum temperature of 49.9 degrees Celsius.
IMD data shows that parts of Delhi were reeling under heatwave for the fifth consecutive day, while Safdarjung was reeling under heatwave for the fourth consecutive day. While Jaffarpur recorded 48.7 degrees Celsius, Pitampura recorded 48.9, Pusa 49, Ayanagar 46.8, Palam 47, Ridge 47.3 and Lodhi Road 46.2.
Delhi is experiencing high temperatures as dry and hot winds, called Loo, from Rajasthan and south Haryana are blowing in the city.
Heatwave conditions may, however, persist at some places on Thursday, but with very light rain or drizzle There is a possibility of thunderstorms or dust storms.
Some relief is expected on Friday and Saturday as very light rain and cloud cover may cause a drop in temperatures. The maximum temperature may hover around 42 degrees Celsius.
