Temperatures in Delhi soared to a record-high of 49.9C (121.8F), as authorities warned of water shortages in India’s capital, Ednews reports via The Guardian.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), which reported “severe heatwave conditions”, recorded the temperatures on Tuesday at two Delhi suburbs stations at Narela and Mungeshpur. The weather bureau said the temperatures were nine degrees higher than expected.
The IMD warned of the heat’s impact on health, especially for infants, elderly people and those with chronic diseases.
India is no stranger to searing summer temperatures.
Forecasters predicted similar temperatures on Wednesday for the city of more than 30 million people, issuing a red alert warning notice for people to take care. In May 2022, parts of Delhi hit 49.2C.
Years of scientific research have found climate change is causing heatwaves to become longer, more frequent and more intense.
New Delhi authorities warned of the risk of water shortages as the capital swelters. Water minister Atishi Marlena called for “collective responsibility” in stopping wasteful water use, the Times of India newspaper reported Wednesday.
