The Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified that the weather station in Delhi’s Mungeshpur, which reported an unprecedented temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius on May 29, had a sensor error. This temperature, initially recorded as the highest ever in India, was found to be three degrees higher than readings from standard instruments.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) conducted an investigation following the unusually high temperature reading during a severe heatwave. Minister Rijiju shared the findings on X, formerly Twitter, stating, “On 29th May 2024, Mungeshpur’s AWS reported a temperature of 52.9°C. Our @Indiametdept team quickly investigated and found a 3°C sensor error. Corrective measures are now in place. Thanks to our brilliant scientists for their relentless dedication as together, we’re making sure you get the most accurate weather information.”
The corrected maximum temperature recorded by the Mungeshpur weather station was 49.9 degrees Celsius. IMD Director General M Mohapatra noted that out of 20 monitoring stations in Delhi, 14 recorded temperatures between 45-50 degrees Celsius. He added that the Mungeshpur station’s reading was an outlier and required confirmation.
“It is not official yet. A temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius 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,” Rijiju had commented prior to the investigation.
Other regions also reported extreme temperatures, with Phalodi in Rajasthan recording 51 degrees Celsius, and another location in Rajasthan showing 50.8 degrees Celsius. Sirsa in Haryana reported a temperature of 50.3 degrees Celsius.
Sources By Agencies
