Intensive heatwave continues to boil Delhi as parts of the national capital on Tuesday winessed mercury rising close to 50 degree Celsius.
Meanwhile, the city's Safdarjung observatory, one of the three in Delhi, recorded its highest temperature on Tuesday, five notches above the seasonal average, at 45.8 degree Celsius.
However, on the outskirts of the city, in Mungeshpur and Narela, 49.9 degree Celsius was recorded, which is also nine notches above normal.
Additionally, Najafgarh recorded 49.8 degree Celsius. Pitampura and Pusa recorded 48.5 degree Celcius.
Why the temperature is rising in Delhi?
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) heatwave conditions are expected to continue for the next few days in the national capital as hot winds from Rajasthan along with blazing sun are leading to very high temperatures, especially in the outskirts.
Mahesh Palawat, vice president of Meteorology and Climate Change at Skymet Weather explained the reason for the rising temperature and said, "In open areas with vacant land, there is increased radiation. Direct sunlight and lack of shade make these regions exceptionally hot."
He said that when wind blows from the west, it affects these areas first as they are on the outskirts, and hence temperatures rise rapidly.
On the other hand, Kuldeep Srivastava, the regional head of IMD, also said that city's outskirts are the first areas to be hit by hot winds coming from Rajasthan.
"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," he said.
The city is on a red alert for the next two days due to the prevailing heatwave conditions.
For Wednesday, the weather department has predicted clear skies with persisting heatwave in many parts of Delhi and severe heatwave conditions in other areas, accompanied by gusty winds.
Rajasthan, MP and UP also reel with heatwaves
Talking about Rajasthan, this year the heat in the Pilani district of the state has broken the record of 25 years. On 28 May 2024, the maximum temperature of Pilani was recorded at 49 degree Celsius. Whereas the maximum temperature of Churu was recorded at 50.5 degree Celsius.
Meanwhile, in Madhya Pradesh also witnessed augmented temperature. The maximum temperature of 28 May was recorded at 48.5 degrees in Niwari, 48.4 in Datia, 48.2 in Rewa, 48 degrees in Khajuraho. Whereas the maximum temperature of 49 degrees was recorded in Jhansi, UP, 48.2 degrees in Prayagraj, 47.6 degrees in Varanasi and 47.6 degree Celsius in Kanpur.
Bihar sizzles with extreme heatwave
The temperature in Bihar crossed 44 degrees Celsius at nine places in the state on Tuesday. Meanwhile, at 47.7 degrees, Aurangabad was the hottest place in the state on Tuesday, as stated by Ashish Kumar, IMD scientist, Patna.
He added that this is the highest temperature of this season in Bihar. The weather department has also predicted that the uncomfortable heat will likely prevail across the state for another three or four days.
(With PTI Inputs)
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