Union Minister Questions Extreme Temperature Reading in Delhi
Amidst reports of a record-breaking high temperature reading in Delhi, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has expressed doubts about its accuracy.
Mr. Rijiju, who is also the Minister of Earth Sciences, took to social media to state that the temperature of 52.3°C (126.1°F) reported by one of the city's weather stations was very unlikely. He instructed senior officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to verify the data from the Mungeshpur weather station, which recorded the extreme temperature.
The IMD has also issued a statement acknowledging the abnormally high reading, suggesting that it could be due to an error in the sensor or local factors. A team has been dispatched to the weather station to investigate and gather accurate data.
Soaring Temperatures and High Energy Demand
Meanwhile, Delhi has been experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures consistently exceeding 45°C (113°F). On Wednesday, the city's peak power demand reached an all-time high of 8,302 MW, indicating the heightened energy consumption due to increased cooling needs.
This is the first time that Delhi's power demand has crossed the 8,300-MW mark, surpassing the previous estimate of 8,200 MW for this summer.
Uncertainty and Investigation Ongoing
As the IMD continues its investigation, the official and accurate temperature data for Delhi remains pending. The discrepancy in temperature readings highlights the importance of meticulous data verification to ensure reliable meteorological information for the public.
