Nagpur, India – In an unprecedented heatwave, Nagpur has recorded a staggering temperature of 56 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature ever documented in India. This follows closely on the heels of another extreme temperature event, with Mungeshwar AWS in North-West Delhi recording 52.9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.
According to reports by the Times of India, the Nagpur AWS, located in a 24-hectare open agricultural field at PDKV in Ramdaspeth, registered the record-breaking temperature. Additionally, the Regional Meteorological Centre at Sonegaon reported a temperature of 54 degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a press statement noting that on Thursday, the highest maximum temperature reported nationwide was 48.3 degrees Celsius at Sri Ganganagar in West Rajasthan. This figure underscores the widespread and intense nature of the current heatwave affecting various parts of the country.
Persistent Heatwave in Delhi
Meanwhile, Skymet Weather Services highlighted that Delhi has endured a relentless heatwave for five consecutive days from May 26 to 30, 2024, with temperatures consistently soaring above 45 degrees Celsius. On May 27, Delhi recorded its highest temperature of the season and the hottest in 79 years, at 46.8 degrees Celsius.
The Safdarjung observatory, a key weather station in the capital, has observed temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius from May 13 to May 30, 2024. Today, temperatures surpassed 40 degrees Celsius by 10:30 a.m., and are expected to rise to 45 degrees Celsius or higher in the late afternoon. This continuous stretch of extreme heat marks the longest spell of temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius in Delhi during the month of May in over a decade.
Implications and Warnings
The extreme temperatures recorded in Nagpur, Delhi, and other parts of India are alarming, raising concerns about public health and safety. Authorities have issued heatwave warnings, urging residents to take necessary precautions, such as staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms of heat-related illnesses occur.
These record-breaking temperatures highlight the urgent need for climate resilience measures and further emphasize the broader challenges posed by global warming and climate change.