Parts of northern and central India are experiencing a severe heatwave, with a provisional record temperature of 52.3C (126.1F) recorded in Delhi. If confirmed, this would be the highest temperature ever recorded in India. Over 37 cities have seen temperatures exceed 45C this week. Warnings of heat-related illnesses have been issued, and at least three deaths have been reported so far.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sent a team to verify the 52.3C temperature recorded in the Mungeshpur area of Delhi, which has been described as an “outlier” compared to other stations that recorded temperatures between 45.2C and 49.1C across Delhi. Authorities in Delhi have warned of fines for wasting water as the city faces shortages, with supplies cut to some areas. The water minister announced that 200 teams would crack down on people wasting water by washing cars with hosepipes and letting tanks overflow.

Residents and businesses in Delhi are struggling to cope with the intense heat. Power demand has reached an all-time high as people rely on air conditioning, coolers, and fans. A consumer court stopped hearings because it was too hot to work without air conditioning. Heatwave conditions are expected to persist for several more days. Medical consultations have increased, especially among the elderly, those with pre-existing conditions, and migrant workers working outdoors. Construction workers have been given a three-hour paid break and provided with water while drinking water pots have been placed at bus stands.

Hot winds from Rajasthan are contributing to Delhi’s rising temperatures. Cities in Rajasthan and Haryana have also recorded temperatures over 50C. Three deaths from heat stroke were reported in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and several students in Bihar fainted due to the heat.

In Jammu and Kashmir, forest fires fueled by high temperatures are being tackled. The IMD forecasts more heatwave days in June, predicting above-normal maximum temperatures. Northwestern India is expected to see heatwave conditions for four to six days.

Indian summers, lasting from March to September, are typically hot and humid, but this year, we are expected to see longer and more intense heat waves due to global warming. Construction, traffic, and a lack of green spaces in Delhi exacerbate the problem.

Simultaneously, coastal parts of eastern India and southern Bangladesh have been hit by Cyclone Remal, resulting in dozens of deaths. The IMD has also predicted an above-average monsoon season, which is expected to start in Kerala on 31 May.