The potential highest temperature ever recorded was recently observed in one of the hottest countries on Earth.
According to the India Meteorological Department, a temperature of 52.3 degrees Celsius (approximately 126 degrees Fahrenheit) was recorded on Wednesday at a weather station in Mungeshpur, a suburb of New Delhi.
The government is currently analyzing the data, suggesting that the temperature reading stands out when compared to measurements from other stations. They are considering the possibility of a sensor error or local conditions that could have influenced the result.
According to the IMD, the temperature exceeded expectations by more than 9 degrees Celsius.
According to a report by New Delhi Television (NDTV), the scorching temperatures were intensified by hot winds originating from northwestern India.
In 2002, the Mungeshpur station set a record with a scorching temperature of 49.2 degrees Celsius (120.6 degrees Fahrenheit), as reported by NDTV. Meanwhile, Rajasthan holds the previous record for the hottest temperature ever recorded in India, reaching a sweltering 51 degrees Celsius (123.8 degrees Fahrenheit) in 2016, according to the IMD.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a warning for a severe heat wave in the region due to the forecast. Heat waves in India are classified as “severe” when temperatures rise 6.5 degrees Celsius above normal.
A red alert health notice has also been issued in New Delhi, warning of a high risk of developing heat illness and heat stroke for vulnerable groups of all ages within the city’s population of 30 million.
According to a report by Reuters, local government officials have imposed water usage restrictions and are threatening to impose a fine of 2,000 rupees ($24) on individuals who use water unnecessarily, such as for washing a car.
According to the IMD, the rain forecasted for Wednesday evening in New Delhi may lead to an increase in humidity levels.
India, located in Asia, is renowned for its tropical climate and enduring summer conditions. The elevated temperatures experienced during the early season serve as an indicator of the scorching summer that lies ahead.
According to Copernicus, Europe’s climate change service, the trend of record-warm temperatures has continued for 11 consecutive months. It is anticipated that this trend will persist even after the conclusion of the month of May.
Climate scientists have observed that as global temperatures continue to rise, heat waves are becoming longer and more frequent.
A recent study conducted by the World Weather Attribution revealed that the scorching heat that swept across Asia in late April was significantly influenced by climate change. In fact, the study found that the likelihood of such extreme temperatures was 45 times higher due to the effects of climate change.
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