India may have recorded its hottest temperatures ever as Delhi faces extreme heatwave
The IndependentSign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Heatwaves are clearly the single largest threat to India’s well being today.” Aarti Khosla, director of Climate Trends These were the highest temperatures ever recorded in Delhi and break the record of Delhi 49.2C recorded in 2002. “Temperatures in Delhi and neighbouring National Capital Region states since the last two days are proof that the issue is now about survivability, and it’s no longer a problem ‘elsewhere’.” open image in gallery People sit in front of a table fan to cool off on a hot summer afternoon in Varanasi Amid extreme temperatures, an air conditioner triggered a massive fire in an apartment complex in Delhi’s neighbouring Noida city on Thursday. open image in gallery Men use a stole to cover from heat as they wait in a line outside a polling station to cast their votes during the sixth phase of India's general election, on a hot summer day in Bhubaneswar, India In spite of record temperatures and voters complaining of heat stress, however, India’s election commission has pushed ahead with polling and turnout has slightly dropped compared to the last election five years ago. open image in gallery A man carrying a newly purchased air cooler rides a bike along a street, on a hot summer afternoon in Delhi “In this infernal heat, millions of heat-exposed workers without access to cooling will struggle to earn their wages, protect their families and stay safe,” says Aditya Valiathan Pillai, fellow coordinator at Climate Adaptation and Resilience, Sustainable Futures Collaborative.