India heatwave: Delhi records its highest ever temperature

New Delhi recorded a temperature of over 50°C on 26 May—its highest ever—with 37 cities seeing temperatures over 45°C the same week.1 So far one related death has been officially recorded,2 although at least 13 more have been reported nationwide.3Officials in Delhi are looking to verify the record breaking temperature reading, with some speculating that it may have been due to a faulty sensor.4 Nevertheless, officials have warned of potential water shortages in the Indian capital.The India Meteorological Department warned of a “very high likelihood of developing heat illness and heatstroke in all ages” with “extreme care needed for vulnerable people.”5 The heatwave, which has been ongoing for weeks, has been classed as “severe,” meaning 6.5C above average.Chandrakant Lahariya, a doctor in Delhi, told the BBC that medical consultations had increased during the heatwave.6 It was having a particularly negative effect on elderly people with pre-existing conditions, he said, and…
Read Original Article: India heatwave: Delhi records its highest ever temperature »