The India Meteorological Department (IMD) clarified that the maximum temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius recorded in Delhi's Mungeshpur on Wednesday was likely an "error in sensor or local factor." The IMD is currently examining the data and sensors to confirm this anomaly. According to the IMD, temperatures across Delhi NCR varied from 45.2 degrees Celsius to 49.1 degrees Celsius, with Mungeshpur's reading being an outlier. The department suggested that this discrepancy could be due to a sensor error or a local factor affecting the reading.
Upcoming weather changes
The IMD has forecasted a reduction in heatwave conditions over the next 2–3 days. Rainfall in various parts of Delhi on Wednesday afternoon contributed to a drop in temperatures. A further decrease in temperatures is expected due to an approaching western disturbance, rainfall, thunderstorms, and southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea to northwest India.
Minister's comments on temperature anomaly
Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju addressed the anomaly in a post on X, stating that the recorded temperature of 52.3 degrees Celsius in Delhi is "very unlikely" and is not yet official. He indicated that senior IMD officials are verifying the data.
"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," Kiren Rijiju said in the post.
Predicted temperature drop
The IMD predicts a gradual fall in maximum temperatures by 3–4 degrees Celsius over Northwest and Central India during the next three to four days. This forecast brings some relief from the severe heatwave conditions, as parts of Delhi-NCR experienced light showers earlier in the day.
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