Delhi experienced an unprecedented heatwave on Wednesday, with temperatures soaring to an all-time high of 52.9 degrees Celsius (127.22 Fahrenheit).
This extreme heatwave has affected the north and western parts of India, causing widespread disruption. Students have fainted in schools, and drinking water taps have dried up due to the scorching temperatures.
Heat Wave Alert and Unprecedented Temperatures
A heat wave alert has been in effect for large parts of India since last week, but the temperature in Mungeshpur, a densely populated area of Delhi, surpassed the 50°C mark on Wednesday. While Delhi has witnessed temperatures above 45°C in previous years, this latest surge marks an unprecedented high.
The streets of Mungeshpur were deserted, and most shops remained closed as residents sought refuge indoors from the searing heat. Some residents in Narela even offered free cold drinks to help people cope with the soaring temperatures, which reached 49.9°C on Tuesday.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is investigating the outlier temperature reading in Mungeshpur, while experts like Gufran Beig, a professor at the Indian Institute of Science, attribute the prolonged heating to an unusual transition from El Nino to La Nina, coupled with a lack of moisture-laden winds. These factors, combined with concerns about climate change, have contributed to the record-breaking temperatures.
Consequences for Health and Education
The extreme heatwave has had a significant impact on public health and education. Students have reported fainting, falling ill, and experiencing dehydration due to the intense heat. The lack of functioning fans in schools has exacerbated the situation, highlighting the urgent need for measures to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events.
A welcome spot of light rain brought some relief to other parts of Delhi on Wednesday, and weather officials anticipate a decrease in the heatwave’s intensity over northwest and central India later this week.
India officially declares a heatwave when the maximum temperature exceeds the normal by 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius, and a severe heatwave when the temperature is 6.5 degrees Celsius or more above normal. The ongoing heatwave has led local authorities in Delhi to impose water restrictions due to shortages and enforce fines for water wastage, such as washing cars.
The extreme heat has also disrupted education, with schools in Bihar shutting down until June 8 due to reports of students fainting. Disturbing video footage captured a girl collapsing in a classroom, highlighting the risks posed by the heatwave to children’s health.
Asia’s Hotter Summer and Climate Change Concerns
Asia has been experiencing a hotter summer this year, a trend exacerbated by human-induced climate change, according to scientists. Rajasthan in central India has also been suffering from scorching temperatures, with some districts recording 50 degrees Celsius. Government data reveals four deaths since March, with 451 cases of heat stroke reported on Wednesday alone.
Meanwhile, parts of northeastern India have been grappling with heavy rain and landslides following cyclone Remal. Tragically, at least 27 people have lost their lives in Mizoram due to a collapsed stone quarry and multiple landslides. Additionally, parts of Assam, bordering Bangladesh, have been inundated by floodwaters.