NEW DELHI: The temperature in the Indian capital reached a record high of 49.9 degrees Celsius (121.8 Fahrenheit) on Tuesday, the government’s weather bureau said.
The Indian Meteorological Department, which reported “severe heat wave conditions”, recorded temperatures at two stations on the outskirts of Delhi, Narela and Mungeshpur.
Forecasters are predicting similar temperatures on Wednesday.
In May 2022, parts of Delhi reached 49.2 degrees (120.5 Fahrenheit).
India is no stranger to falling summer temperatures.
But years of scientific research have found that climate change is causing heat waves to become longer, more frequent and more intense.
Authorities in New Delhi also warned of the risk of water shortages in some areas due to a severe heat wave in the capital.
“We have taken several measures to address the problem of water scarcity, including reducing twice a day to once a day in many areas,” he said, according to the Indian Express.
“The water saved in this way will be channeled and given to water-scarce areas that only need 15-20 minutes a day,” he said.
The HPG has warned about the health effects of the heat on babies, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
Meanwhile, the state of West Bengal and the northeastern state of Mizoram were hit by heavy rains and rain from Cyclone Remal, which hit India and Bangladesh on Sunday, killing more than 38 people.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department said the cyclone was the “longest in the country’s history” and blamed climate change for the change.
