New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated that the recorded maximum temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius in Delhi's Mungeshpur on Wednesday is likely attributed to an "error in sensor or local factor." The IMD is presently investigating the data and sensors to validate this irregularity. Across Delhi NCR, temperatures ranged from 45.2 degrees Celsius to 49.1 degrees Celsius, with Mungeshpur's reading standing out as an outlier. The department has indicated that this inconsistency may stem from a sensor malfunction or a local factor influencing the reading. 

Kiren Rijiju Raises Doubt

Speaking about Delhi touching 52.3 degrees Celsius, Union Minister for Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju took to X and said, “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.”

IMD Issues Warning

Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions will prevail over most parts of Delhi, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its weather forecast warnings.

The humidity level was 43 per cent at 8.30 am. The maximum temperature is likely to cross 46 degrees Celsius in many parts of the city.

On Tuesday, the national capital saw blistering heat as parts of Delhi singed, with temperatures soaring close to 50 degrees Celsius.

Heatwave conditions are expected to persist in Delhi for the next few days, according to the IMD.

The weather department has urged people to take "extreme care for vulnerable people" due to the heatwave.

Due to the rising temperature, there is a very high likelihood of developing heat-related illness and heat stroke in people of all ages, and a significant health concern for vulnerable individuals such as infants, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases.

The IMD has advised people to avoid exposure to heat and dehydration. 

Rs 2000 Fine Amid Water Crisis As Delhi Swelters

A fine of Rs 2,000 will be imposed on water-wasting activities like washing vehicles with a hose and using domestic water supply for construction and commercial purposes, the Delhi government said on Wednesday.

The national capital is facing water shortage due to unprecedented summer heat with temperatures hovering around the 50 degrees Celsius mark in parts of the city.

Water minister Atishi has directed the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to deploy 200 teams across the city to prevent water-wasting activities like car washing with a hose, overflowing water tanks, and use of domestic water supply for construction and commercial purposes.

In a note to the DJB's Chief Executive Officer, Atishi said," These teams will be deployed from 8 am on Thursday and impose fines on anyone found wasting water. These teams will disconnect any illegal water connections at construction sites or commercial establishments." The minister said intense heatwave conditions are prevailing in the national capital and there is a shortage of water supply since Haryana is not releasing Delhi's share of water.

"Under these circumstances, conservation of water becomes extremely important. However, it has been seen that there is serious wastage of water in many parts of Delhi," she said.

Crackdown on Misuse of Water

Also, there are illegal connections of domestic supply at construction sites and commercial establishments, the minister said, adding that there is a need to crack down on such misuse of water.

In a post on X, she informed about the crackdown on wastage of water in the coming days, saying illegal connections of domestic supply at construction sites and commercial establishments will be disconnected.