29th May, 2024, Tuesday saw an extraordinary hottest day in New Delhi, the capital of India, with temperatures reaching a scorching 49.9 degrees Celsius (121.8 Fahrenheit).

Concerns regarding a lack of water in the vast megacity have been raised by this record-breaking high maximum temperature.

At two stations in the Delhi suburbs, Narela and Mungeshpur, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded extremely high temperatures, which it described as "severe heat-wave conditions." Residents were scorching in the extreme heat since these figures were 9 degrees higher than anticipated.

hottest day
Image Source: Facebook

Similar temperatures are predicted for Wednesday, prompting meteorologists to issue a red alert advising people to exercise caution.

New Delhi Swelters on Hottest Day as Temperatures Soar to Record Highs

The IMD also emphasized how the intense heat might affect people's health, particularly those who are more susceptible, such as young children, the elderly, and people with long-term medical conditions.

The scorching winds from the nearby state of Rajasthan, where temperatures hit a searing 50.5 degrees Celsius that same day, are partially to blame for New Delhi's oppressive heat. The nation's all-time heat record is held by the desert region of Phalodi in Rajasthan when temperatures reached 51 degrees Celsius in 2016.

Authorities have alerted the public about the possibility of water shortages as New Delhi struggles with the heat. Atishi Marlena, the minister of water, stressed "collective responsibility" in putting an end to unnecessary water use.

One of the measures is lowering the water supply in many regions from twice daily to once daily. The water that is saved will be rationed and delivered to areas in need of water, where supplies are currently only available for 15 to 20 minutes each day.

hottest day
Image Source: Sarkari Pariksha

Numerous scientific studies throughout the years have shown that heatwaves have become longer, more frequent, and more intense due to climate change.

Cyclone Remal, which hit both Bangladesh and India at the same time and claimed over 38 lives, simultaneously caused gales and torrential rainfall in the northeastern states of Mizoram and West Bengal. Climate change was blamed by Bangladesh's Meteorological Department for the cyclone's intensity.

With the highest temperature in the Indian capital reaching an all-time high of 49.9°C, Cyclone Remal's arrival has further complicated the meteorological patterns.

Much-needed respite from the extreme heat in northeastern India has been provided by Cyclone Remal, which made landfall between the beaches of West Bengal and Bangladesh.

Although Cyclone Remal is not directly affecting Delhi, its effects are still being felt in the surrounding areas. Although Cyclone Remal's landfall in Delhi did not have a significant immediate impact, its presence in the Bay of Bengal has altered atmospheric dynamics and wind patterns, contributing to the excessive heat.

You might also be interested in - Heat waves can be fatal for elderly; Rising temperatures put millions at risk