'Worst Yet to Come', Says IMD as India Witnesses 'Longest Ever' Heatwave

New Delhi: The current heatwave sweeping across India has become the longest on record, according to the country's leading meteorological expert. The scorching temperatures, surpassing 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit), have persisted since mid-May, particularly affecting northern regions. In an interview with a leading national daily, the head of India's Meteorological Department (IMD), Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said, "This has been the longest spell because it has been experienced for about 24 days in different parts of the country."

As the annual monsoon rains gradually advance northward this month, there's an expectation that the mercury will eventually drop. However, Mohapatraissued a warning, indicating that despite this respite, more challenging conditions may lie ahead. "Heatwaves will be more frequent, durable and intense if precautionary or preventive measures are not taken," he added.

Despite being the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, India has pledged to transition to a net-zero emissions economy by 2070, a target set two decades later than most industrialized Western nations. Currently, India heavily relies on coal for power generation.

"Human activities, increasing population, industrialisation and transport mechanisms are leading to increased concentration of carbon monoxide, methane and chlorocarbons,"  Mohapatra said, adding We are endangering not only ourselves, but also our future generations.

What Causes Heatwaves?

Scientific studies indicate climate change exacerbates the duration, frequency, and intensity of heat waves. The recent heatwave in New Delhi has led to temperatures matching the city's previous record high of 49.2°C (120.5°F) recorded in 2022. Although an automatic weather station in the Delhi suburb of Mungeshpur reported a staggering high of 52.9°C (127.2°F) on May 29, it later turned out to be a result of a faulty sensor. However, 17 other city stations in Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 49°C (120.2°F) on the same day.

"We constituted an expert committee, which observed readings for the next two days and found there were problems with the sensor," Mohapatra clarified.