It will come quickly and go late, the weather department’s warning on heat wave is creating fear in the heart

New Delhi: North India has been in the grip of a scorching heat wave since mid-May, with many areas soaring above 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit). According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this is the longest heat wave ever recorded in the country. “This has been the longest period as it has been like this for almost 24 days in different parts of the country,” said IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra. While relief is expected with the advance of the monsoon northwards this month, Mohapatra warned of a worse situation in the future. “Heatwaves will be more frequent, longer and more severe if precautionary or preventive measures are not taken,” he/she said. As the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, India has pledged to achieve a net-zero emissions economy by 2070, twenty years later than most industrialised nations.

Mahapatra stressed, “The concentration of carbon monoxide, methane and chlorocarbons is increasing due to human activities, increasing population, industrialization and transportation systems. We are not only putting ourselves but also our future generations at risk.” Studies indicate that heat waves are becoming longer, more frequent and more intense due to climate change.

A record of 49.2° was made in 2022

The country’s capital and surrounding areas have been reeling under heatwaves. In 2022, Delhi recorded a record high of 49.2C (120.5F). This year, the temperature has returned to normal. Between May 1 and June 10, the city recorded 32 days when the temperature was above 40 degrees Celsius, the highest number of such days in 14 years. From May 14 to June 10, the mercury was above 40 degrees Celsius for 28 consecutive days, the highest in 14 years. In comparison, in 2023 and 2022, the temperature crossed 40 degrees Celsius on 10 and 27 days respectively during the same period. IMD data available since 2011 shows that before 2024, no year has seen the maximum temperature exceed 40 degrees Celsius for 28 consecutive days.

This year a record for 2022 is being made every day!

Temperatures in Delhi are expected to remain above 40 degrees Celsius for the next seven days. Stations like Narela, Najafgarh, Pitampura, Mungeshpur and Jaffarpur have consistently recorded temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius this summer. The most dramatic jump in temperature came on May 28 and 29, when several stations recorded maximum temperatures. The maximum temperature at Safdarjung reached 46.8 degrees Celsius on May 29, while Narela and Mungeshpur recorded 49.9 degrees Celsius on May 28. Pitampura and Pusa recorded 49.8 and 49 degrees Celsius, respectively.

In 2013, the temperature crossed 40° for 31 days

IMD data shows that this time the heat wave is more severe than in 2013, when the temperature crossed 40 degrees Celsius for 31 days. The lack of rain has been attributed to the high temperature, with only 0.4 mm of rain recorded on May 11. May ended with a 99% deficit. Safdarjung has received just 1.2 mm of rain so far in June, indicating a deficit of 85%. “In the absence of heavy rains, the sky has been clear in Delhi, leading to rapid warming of the surface. On most days, western dry and hot winds have been blowing in the city. These winds coming from Rajasthan and South Haryana push the temperature higher,” a Met official said.

It isn’t even raining now!

“In recent years, the rains have brought down the temperature below 40 degrees Celsius, bringing respite from the scorching heat. For instance, last year the city recorded more rainfall in March (206%), April (23%), May (262%), and June (37%). Since no significant rainfall is expected in the next seven days, temperatures are expected to remain high,” the weather official said.

Mahapatra said, “We constituted an expert committee which looked at the readings for the next two days and found that there were some problems with the sensor.” Soon after the recording, the IMD raised concerns and Mahapatra confirmed for the first time that there was something wrong with the sensor. he/she said, “We inspect the AWS (Automatic Weather Station) every six months, but in the meantime, if a bird or monkey tampers with it, there may be some problems.”