Delhi Endures Record Heatwave as Temperatures 50°C

Delhi

Delhi Endures Record Heatwave as Temperatures Near 50°C

Delhi: This week, India’s capital region has been gripped by a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures soaring close to 50°C. The extreme heat, exacerbated by climate change, has created alarming conditions for the world’s most populous country.

Unprecedented Temperatures Halt Activities

Delhi, home to over 30 million people, recorded unprecedented temperatures exceeding 49°C. The scorching heat forced a halt in activities, including construction, and led authorities to ration water to manage resource strain. Neighboring states Haryana and Rajasthan also reported temperatures above 50°C. A weather station in Delhi even recorded a maximum of 52.9°C, though this was later suggested to be an error by the India Meteorological Department.

Public Health Hazard

Scientists warn that India’s increasingly extreme summer heat is becoming a severe public health hazard. The heatwave poses significant risks such as heatstroke and death, affecting the country’s 1.4 billion residents. Despite heat action plans in place to improve early warning systems and manage extreme heat effects, experts call for greater investment to mitigate health and economic impacts. Notably, most households in Delhi lack air conditioning.

“This is like wartime,” stated Abhiyant Tiwari, a climate analyst with the Natural Resources Defense Council. “We need to work on this issue throughout the year to better prepare our systems and policies.”

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Climate Change’s Impact

A report by the World Weather Attribution research group found that climate change has made extreme temperatures in South Asia 45 times more likely. Additionally, a study published in Environment International estimated that heatwaves could cause over 1,100 deaths annually across ten major Indian cities.

Election Heat

This year’s heatwave coincides with India’s six-week general election, with rallies held in sweltering conditions. The final voting phase on June 1 will take place in states like Punjab, where temperatures remain above 40°C. Nationwide results are expected on Tuesday. In Delhi, which voted amidst the heat last weekend, authorities warned of water shortages and accused Haryana of restricting water from the Yamuna river.

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Water Rationing Measures

Delhi’s water minister, Atishi Marlena, announced fines starting Thursday for construction sites illegally using domestic water supplies and for residents using hoses to wash cars. “I appeal to all Delhiites that we should not think only about ourselves,” she urged. “We should think about everyone.”

As Delhi and its surrounding regions endure this record heatwave, the urgent need for comprehensive climate adaptation strategies becomes increasingly clear. The extreme temperatures highlight the pressing challenge of climate change and the critical need for proactive measures to protect public health and resources.

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