Key facts
- Official air temperatures in Delhi have exceeded 40C during a severe heatwave.
- Thermal camera readings showed surface temperatures reaching up to 64C on roads and concrete.
- High surface temperatures increase heat absorption by the human body, making urban areas feel hotter than official readings.
- Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause serious health issues, including heat exhaustion and organ failure.
- Lack of shade and poor ventilation in homes exacerbate the heat's impact on residents, particularly the poor.
Delhi is grappling with a severe heatwave, with official air temperatures consistently exceeding 40C. However, a recent investigation using a thermal camera revealed that surface temperatures on roads, concrete, and vehicles can soar much higher, reaching up to 64C in some areas.
This significant difference between air and surface temperatures is attributed to the absorption of heat by urban infrastructure, particularly in areas with limited shade or vegetation. During a mid-day visit to the IIT flyover, a busy traffic junction, shaded areas registered 42C, while bikers waiting at traffic signals under direct sunlight experienced surface temperatures up to 64C. The ground temperature where observers stood was 61C, dropping to 39.8C when they moved to a shaded spot under a tree.
Medical experts warn that prolonged exposure to such extreme heat poses serious health risks. Dr. A Fathahudeen, a pulmonologist, explained that core body temperature rising above 40C can lead to heat exhaustion, characterized by excessive sweating, headaches, and fatigue. In severe cases, confusion, seizures, and multiple organ failure can occur.
Street vendors and residents living and working on the streets are particularly vulnerable. Sanjana Ben, a dry fruit vendor near the Red Fort, reported ground temperatures of 51.4C and experienced dizziness and blurred vision due to the heat. Mohammad Mahfouz Alam, a footwear seller, described feeling listless and experiencing leg pain, with no relief even at night due to hot air from fans.
In Sundar Nagri, a residential area, indoor temperatures hovered around 40C even after 5 pm, with a lack of ventilation trapping heat inside. Siblings Abhishek and Kajal are documenting the heat's impact on their daily routines, sleep, and health for a Greenpeace project, noting that the heat makes it difficult to cook, work, and rest.