Delhi Sizzles Under Record-Breaking Heat, Power Demand Skyrockets
New Delhi: Delhi residents endured a day of unprecedented heat on Wednesday, with the city recording its highest-ever temperature of 52.3 degrees Celsius at the Mungeshpur weather station, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This scorching heatwave pushed the city’s power demand to a record-breaking high of 8,302 megawatts (MW) in the afternoon.
The extreme temperature brought the capital to a near standstill, with residents seeking refuge indoors and struggling with power outages amidst the surging demand. Thankfully, the relentless heat offered a brief respite in the form of light rain with gusty winds later in the day.
The record-breaking power demand highlights the strain the heatwave placed on Delhi’s infrastructure. Power distribution companies had estimated a peak demand of 8,200 MW for the summer, but Wednesday surpassed all expectations. This surge in demand could lead to potential power outages in the coming days if the heat persists.
Concerned about the water crisis exacerbated by the heatwave, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) announced a fine of Rs 2,000 for anyone caught wasting water. This measure emphasizes the importance of water conservation during these challenging times.
While the recent rain provided temporary relief, Delhi residents brace themselves for the possibility of further heatwaves. The IMD’s forecast remains unclear, but the record-breaking temperatures serve as a stark reminder of the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
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