As Delhi reels under extreme heatwave, media reports on Wednesday claimed that Mungeshpur logged a maximum of 52.9 degrees Celsius, the highest ever temperature recorded in the city.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), however, later clarified that it could be an “error in sensor or local factor”.
"The maximum temperature over Delhi-NCR varied from 45.2 degrees Celsius to 49.1 degrees Celsius in different parts of city. Mungeshpur reported 52.9 degrees Celsius as an outlier compared to other stations. It could be due to error in the sensor or the local factor. IMD is examining the data and sensors," the IMD said in a statement.
It further said that the heatwave condition in the national capital will reduce during the next 2-3 days.
"It has rained at many places in Delhi in the afternoon resulting in further fall of temperature. Heatwave conditions will reduce during the next 2 - 3 days due to gradual fall in temperature in association with approaching western disturbance, rainfall/thunderstorm and southwesterly wind blowing from the Arabian Sea to northwest India," the IMD said.
Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju also took to X, saying a temperature of 52.3 degrees Celsius 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 said.
The national capital and large swathes of north India have been reeling under heat wave conditions for the past few days, with at least three weather stations here—Mungeshpur, Narela and Najafgarh—recording nearly 50 degrees Celsius even on Tuesday.
The capital city, however, witnessed a sudden change in weather on Wednesday afternoon with several areas receiving light showers.
