52.9°C temp in Delhi could be due to error, IMD says investigating readings
PTC Web News: The Mungeshpur weather station in Delhi recorded the highest-ever recorded temperature in India, 52.9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. However, IMD officials stated that the reading at Mungeshpur could be "due to error in the sensor or local factors" because it was about 4 degrees (3.8) higher than the next highest temperature of 49.1 degrees C (Najafgarh).
According to IMD, while a city can have isolated areas of severe heat, Mungeshpur is an 'automatic weather station' that is known to make errors at times. IMD has dispatched a team to Mungeshpur to investigate.
According to IMD Director General M Mohapatra, there are 20 monitoring stations in Delhi, 14 of which have registered a temperature dip, with the average seen across Delhi being between 45 and 50 degrees Celsius.
"The maximum temperature over Delhi NCR varied from 45.2 to 49.1 degree Celsius in different parts of the city. Mungeshpur reported 52.9 degree Celsius as an outlier compared to other stations. It could be due to error in the sensor or the local factor. IMD is examining the data and sensors," the IMD said.
Meanwhile, Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju added, "It is not official yet. A temperature of 52.3 degree 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."
- With inputs from agencies
