New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) clarified that the recorded maximum temperature of over 52 degrees Celsius in Delhi's Mungeshpur on Wednesday was due to an "error in sensor or local factor."
The IMD stated in an official release that it is examining the data and sensors.
"The maximum temperature across Delhi NCR ranged from 45.2 degrees Celsius to 49.1 degrees Celsius, with Mungeshpur reporting 52.9 degrees Celsius as an outlier. This discrepancy could be due to a sensor error or a local factor. The IMD is investigating the issue," the release mentioned.
"It rained in many parts of Delhi in the afternoon, resulting in a temperature drop. Heatwave conditions will lessen over the next 2-3 days due to an approaching western disturbance, rainfall/thunderstorms, and southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea to northwest India," the IMD release stated.
In a post on X, Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju highlighted the error, saying that a temperature of 52.3 degrees Celsius in Delhi is "very unlikely."
"It is not official yet. A temperature of 52.3C 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," Kiren Rijiju said in the post.
Bringing some respite from the severe heatwave conditions, parts of Delhi-NCR experienced a sudden change in weather with light showers earlier in the day.
