Delhi witnessed an unprecedented peak power demand of 7717 MW on Tuesday afternoon, breaking all previous records, according to Discom officials. The soaring demand is attributed to the intense summer heat prevailing in the region. Large parts of North India, including Delhi and Haryana, experienced severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures soaring above 45 degrees Celsius. Najafgarh, Delhi, recorded the highest temperature in the country at 47.4 degrees Celsius.
Impact of heatwave on daily life
The scorching heat disrupted daily life, prompting many individuals to remain indoors during the afternoon hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the next few days, warning of severe heatwave conditions in Delhi and surrounding areas.
Precautionary measures by state governments
Several state governments, including Delhi and Punjab, took precautionary measures in response to the extreme weather. Schools were instructed to declare holidays, with the option of online classes provided to ensure continuity in education.
Climate change concerns
A recent study by leading climate scientists warned that similar heatwaves could occur more frequently due to climate change. The study suggested that such extreme weather events have become significantly more likely, underscoring the urgent need for climate action.
Also read | Heatwave grips North India: Delhi's Najafgarh hottest in country at 47.4 degrees Celsius | DETAILS