Delhi Experiences Warmest Night in 14 Years at 35.2°C, Heatstroke Casualties Surge

New Delhi: Delhi experienced its warmest night in at least 14 years, with the minimum temperature soaring to 35.2 degrees Celsius, over eight degrees above normal, the IMD said on Wednesday. The maximum temperature also exceeded the season's average by 4.8 degrees, reaching 43.6 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the previous record for the warmest night in Delhi was on June 3, 2010, when the minimum temperature reached 34.7 degrees Celsius. 

An IMD official said the books of Delhi's benchmark Safdarjung observatory were analysed till 1969 to ascertain this record. "With this, the minimum temperature in Delhi has reached an all-time high for the month of June. Delhi is on an 'orange' alert due to the prevailing heatwave conditions," the official added.

Temperatures in the city have remained above 40 degrees Celsius since May 12. In these 36 days, the city recorded 16 days when the mercury reached or surpassed 45 degrees Celsius, according to IMD data. Fresh western disturbance is expected to bring some relief from the high temperatures. On Thursday, the city may witness light rainfall, induced by a fresh western disturbance, IMD predicted. 

Surge in Heatstroke Casualties

Hospitals in Delhi are seeing a surge in heatstroke cases as the severe heat wave continues. At the Centre-run RML Hospital, 22 patients were received in the last two days, resulting in five deaths, with 12 to 13 patients on ventilator support. Safdarjung Hospital reported 60 heatstroke cases, with 42 admissions and six fatalities, including a 60-year-old woman and a 50-year-old man who died on Tuesday. 

LNJP Hospital authorities report that four patients have died from suspected heatstroke over the past two days.  

(With PTI Inputs)