Delhi experienced a historic high temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius (127.22 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, as an extreme heatwave swept through northern and western India. This unprecedented heat has led to students fainting in schools and drinking water taps drying up, showcasing the severe impact of rising temperatures on daily life.
Since last week, a heatwave alert has been in effect for large parts of India. On Wednesday, temperatures in Mungeshpur, a densely populated area of Delhi, soared past 50 degrees Celsius, as confirmed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Although Delhi has faced temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius in the past, this is the first time it has reached such extreme levels.
The streets of Mungeshpur in northwest Delhi were nearly empty, with most shops closed as residents sought refuge indoors. In Narela, where temperatures hit 49.9 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, locals handed out free cold drinks to combat the intense heat.
Resident Akash Nirmal described the harsh conditions, saying, “When we go outside, it feels like someone is slapping our faces. It has become difficult to live in Delhi.”
The IMD is examining the data and sensors in Mungeshpur, as its temperature readings were significantly higher than other stations. Gufran Beig, a chair professor at the Indian Institute of Science, attributed the prolonged heating to an unusual transition from El Nino to La Nina and a lack of moisture-bringing winds. El Nino typically results in drier conditions over the Indian subcontinent, while La Nina is characterized by unusually cold Pacific Ocean temperatures.
“We suspect that it is all associated with climate change,” Beig stated.
Later on Wednesday, a brief spell of light rain brought some relief to parts of Delhi. Weather officials predict the heat will ease later this week over northwest and central India. The government declares a heatwave when temperatures are 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius higher than usual, and a severe heatwave when they exceed this by 6.5 degrees Celsius or more.
Local authorities have imposed water restrictions in Delhi, citing shortages, and fines of 2,000 rupees ($24) for wasting water. In Bihar, schools have been closed until June 8 after students fainted due to the heat.
This year, Asia has faced a particularly hot summer, a trend exacerbated by human-driven climate change. In Rajasthan, central India, temperatures have reached 50 degrees Celsius in some districts. Government data reports four deaths since March and 451 heatstroke cases on Wednesday alone.
 on Wednesday, as an extreme heatwave swept through northern and western India. This unprecedented heat has led to students fainting in schools and drinking water taps drying up, showcasing the severe impact of rising temperatures on daily life.){kind=link}