Record-breaking temperatures in New Deli

On May 27, 2024, New Delhi recorded its highest-ever temperature, soaring to an unprecedented 52.3 degrees Celsius. This extreme heatwave has severe implications, highlighting the urgent need to address climate change and its escalating impacts on vulnerable regions like India. Prior to this, Bangladesh was also recording extreme heat waves, which resulted in schools being forced to close down as the temperatures were too high for day-to-day activities to continue on as normal. And now, as Bangladesh faces extreme downpours due to a deadly cyclone, neighbouring country India is facing extreme heat waves, highlighting the extremely negative effects of climate change. 

The Indian Meteorological Department has confirmed the record-breaking temperature, surpassing the previous high and setting a new, alarming benchmark for the city. Such extreme temperatures pose significant risks to public health, infrastructure, and the economy. One of the biggest concerns is the possibility of water scarcity, as the high temperatures often lead to the evaporation of water from reservoirs and rivers, exacerbating water scarcity issues. With this, Water Minister Atishi Marlena has called out to be more mindful and take ‘collective responsibility’ in order to stop wasteful water use.  Although India is no stranger to the extreme heat waves in the summer period, with the negative effects of climate change the fluctuating weather and temperatures have been impacting regions all around the world, including India. 

According to climate experts, global warming is making extreme weather events more common and severe. The goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is becoming increasingly challenging to achieve, with current trends suggesting a dire future if significant measures are not taken.