The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has corrected a record temperature reading in New Delhi, initially reported as 52.9 degrees Celsius. The IMD announced that the extreme temperature, recorded on Wednesday at the Mungeshpur weather station, was inflated due to a sensor malfunction that added an erroneous 3 degrees Celsius to the actual reading.
Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju shared the findings on social media platform X, stating, “The IMD investigated the reading and found a 3-degrees-Celsius sensor error. Corrective measures are now in place.”
The alarming high temperature had raised concerns among residents and caught the attention of global observers, as such extreme heat can have significant health and environmental impacts. However, the IMD has assured the public that the situation is under control and that steps are being taken to prevent similar errors in the future.
“The maximum temperature reported by the Mungeshpur weather station is not correct due to malfunctioning of the sensor,” the IMD confirmed in an official statement. While the corrected temperature has not been disclosed, it indicates that the actual temperature was approximately 49.9 degrees Celsius.
Mungeshpur, a densely populated area in the northwest corner of Delhi, often experiences high temperatures during the summer months. Weather experts suggest that while the corrected temperature is still significantly high, it falls within the expected range for this time of year.
The incident highlights the importance of accurate data collection in meteorology, especially in regions prone to extreme weather conditions. Reliable weather information is critical for public safety, economic planning, and environmental research.
The IMD’s prompt response underscores its commitment to maintaining data integrity and transparency. As climate patterns continue to shift, the department’s role in providing accurate and timely weather forecasts remains crucial for India’s vast population and economy.
Reference(s):
IMD says Delhi's record 52.9°C temperature was wrong by three degrees
cgtn.com
