Did Delhi Hit Record 52.3 Degrees? Very Unlikely, Says Minister Rijiju

The India Meteorological Department on Wednesday said that it is examining the data and sensors after Delhi's Mungeshpur reported 52.9°C, the highest-ever temperature in the city.

Across Delhi NCR, maximum temperatures ranged from 45.2°C to 49.1°C, with Mungeshpur reporting an outlier of 52.9°C compared to other stations. "It could be due to an error in the sensor or the local factor. IMD is examining the data and sensors," a statement said.

Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Earth Sciences, further said that it is not official yet. "Temperature of 52.3°C in Delhi is very unlikely. Our senior officials in IMD have been asked to verify the news report. The official position will be stated soon," he added.

As per the initial reports, the weather station recorded a maximum temperature of 52.3 degrees Celsius at 4.14 pm.

The record was set during a period of intense heat in the national capital, with temperatures consistently above 44°C in recent days. However, there was a brief respite from the heat as parts of Delhi experienced rainfall in the afternoon.

Talking about the sweltering heat, IMD regional head Kuldeep Srivastava told the PTI that the city's outskirts are the first areas to be hit by hot winds 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 told the news agency.

Mahesh Palawat, the vice president of Meteorology and Climate Change at Skymet Weather, added: "In open areas with vacant land, there is increased radiation. Direct sunlight and lack of shade make these regions exceptionally hot." "When wind blows from the west, it affects these areas first. As they are on the outskirts, temperatures rise rapidly," Palawat added.