New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is currently investigating the accuracy of temperature readings at the Mungeshpur automatic weather station in Delhi, following reports of a staggering 52.9 degrees Celsius – the highest temperature ever recorded in India. Director General of IMD, M Mohapatra, disclosed that a team is assessing the station’s temperature sensor to ensure its proper functioning.
Mohapatra emphasized that while 14 out of the 20 monitoring stations in Delhi registered a decline in temperatures, with an average ranging between 45 to 50 degrees Celsius, the reading from Mungeshpur stands as an outlier. He noted that while some observatories in Delhi indicated slightly higher temperatures, the extreme reading from Mungeshpur necessitates a thorough investigation.
Speculation surrounds the potential influence of local factors around Mungeshpur contributing to the anomalous temperature recording. A team of specialists has been dispatched to Mungeshpur to conduct an inspection of the temperature sensor, as stated by Dr. Mohapatra.
In a subsequent statement issued by IMD, it was underscored that the reported temperature discrepancy could be attributed to sensor errors or localized phenomena. Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju, highlighted that the authenticity of the 52.9 degrees Celsius reading is yet to be confirmed officially, with senior IMD officials tasked with verifying the report.
Also Read: Washing cars with hose to attract Rs 2,000 fine as Delhi govt imposes curbs amid water crisis
Explaining the meteorological dynamics behind the escalating temperatures, Kuldeep Srivastava, regional head of IMD, highlighted the vulnerability of Delhi’s outskirts to hot winds originating from Rajasthan. He identified areas such as Mungeshpur, Narela, and Najafgarh as particularly susceptible to the impact of these intense weather patterns.
The unprecedented heatwave, marking the second consecutive day of record-breaking temperatures, surpassed expectations by over nine degrees Celsius. Additionally, a brief spell of rain on Wednesday evening in Delhi is anticipated to elevate humidity levels.
Also Read: 2 hours after record maximum temperature, Delhi gets rain relief
Forecast data from Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models suggests a gradual alleviation of heatwave conditions, with a decreasing trend expected to extend northward from May 30. Furthermore, the influx of moist winds from the Bay of Bengal starting Thursday is predicted to contribute to a gradual reduction in maximum temperatures over Uttar Pradesh.
Read all the World News, Business News, Sports News, Entertainment News, Business News and Opinion here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
