The primary meteorological station in Delhi, Safdarjung, has documented temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or higher each day since May 13 for 39 consecutive days. This year marked the longest and most intense heatwave in Delhi in 74 years, according to records.
Based on reports from The Times of India, the daily temperature recordings at Safdarjung since 1951 indicate that the previous longest period of 40+ degrees Celsius before 2024 lasted 32 days, from May 9 to June 10, 1978.
This was followed by 27 days starting on May 13, 1984, which could be considered 34 days if a day with temperatures below 40 degrees Celsius is excluded. Another notable streak occurred in 1998, spanning 27 days and featuring only one day with temperatures below 40 degrees.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a heatwave day as a day when the highest temperature reaches 45 degrees Celsius or higher, or when it hits 40 degrees Celsius and is at least 4.5 degrees Celsius higher than the average temperature.
The primary factors contributing to this prolonged heat are El Nino and the lull in the monsoon.
According to the data, not only has the current heatwave lasted longer than any other in recorded history, but the residents of Delhi have also experienced more temperature extremes than ever before.
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