The Safdarjung observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 43.5 degrees.
Delhi recorded its second hottest April in 72 years with a monthly average maximum temperature of 40.2 degrees Celsius even as parts of the country are sweltering in intense heatwaves. The furnace-like temperatures have led to hours-long blackouts.
Here's your 10-point guide to this big story:
- The city recorded a high of 43.5 degrees Celsius on April 28 and April 29. This was the highest maximum temperature on an April day in Delhi in 12 years.
- The weather department has issued an "orange" alert, warning people of a severe heatwave in many parts of Delhi.
- Power outages compounded the misery of millions of people wilting in a heatwave across India, with experts blaming climate change for an early onset of roasting summer temperatures.
- Power cuts were partly blamed on shortages of coal after an unusually hot March and April pushed up power demand and ate up stockpiles.
- Many regions also reported falling water supplies that will only worsen until the annual monsoon rains in June and July.
- Authorities also closed schools or reduced hours, with Bihar ordering classes to stop by 10:45 am and advising people not to be outside after midday.
- On Thursday evening, the meteorological department issued an orange alert for the next five days for northwest and central India.
- Severe heat waves are expected to stretch into early next month, meaning millions of people will have to endure more days of dangerous temperatures and hours-long blackouts.
- The country hasn't received the light summer rain that usually comes in April and May to lower temperatures and wash away dirty particulate matter.
- Heatwaves have killed over 6,500 people in India since 2010, and scientists say climate change is making them harsher and more frequent across South Asia.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
