Record-breaking heatwave hits India, 33 deaths reported amid soaring temperatures

A heatwave in India, with temperatures reaching 52.9°C in New Delhi before a sensor error adjustment, has led to 33 deaths across multiple states, impacting election activities and causing chaos in affected areas.

A record-breaking heatwave is currently affecting India, particularly New Delhi. On Wednesday, a weather station in Mungeshpur reported a temperature of 52.9°C, which was later found to be overstated by 3°C due to a sensor error, as confirmed by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju. However, two other stations reported accurate temperatures of 49°C and 49.1°C, still breaking the previous record of 48.4°C set in 1998.

The extreme heat has led to at least 33 deaths across the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha, many from suspected heatstroke, including 20 election officials as the nation votes in its general elections. The capital’s slums, like Chanakyapuri, are particularly hard-hit, facing water shortages and chaotic scenes during water deliveries. Hospitals like Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi have set up heatstroke units to treat patients, who are mostly from poorer sectors of society.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s constituency in Varanasi is among the locations affected by both the heat and the final phase of voting. Despite the heatwave, millions of voters are participating in the election, with results expected on June 4.