Temperatures in India's capital, Delhi, soared to a record-breaking 52.3 degrees Celsius (126.1 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This temperature, recorded in the Delhi suburb of Mungeshpur, broke the previous national record of 51 degrees Celsius set in Rajasthan in 2016. However, IMD meteorologist Soma Sen Roy mentioned that the accuracy of the measurement was being verified.

The IMD issued a red alert for Delhi, warning of a high risk of heat illness and heat stroke across all age groups, urging extreme caution for vulnerable populations. The heatwave has caused Delhi's electricity grid to struggle under a peak demand of 8,302 megawatts and has prompted warnings of severe water shortages, with city authorities cracking down on water wastage.

Residents are finding it difficult to cope with the extreme heat. Snack-seller Roop Ram, who lives in cramped conditions with his family, described relying on a small fan for relief and eagerly awaiting the monsoon season. Similarly, Rani, a jewellery seller, spoke of enduring long bus rides and refilling her water bottle as often as possible to stay hydrated.

New Delhi's Water Minister Atishi has implemented measures to address the water crisis, including deploying teams to prevent water wastage at construction sites and commercial properties. Delhi depends heavily on water from the neighboring states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, and the reduced flow of the Yamuna River exacerbates the situation.

Meanwhile, neighboring Pakistan has also been experiencing severe heat, with temperatures reaching 53 degrees Celsius (127.4 Fahrenheit) in Mohenjo Daro. The country anticipates further heatwaves in June, adding strain to its energy supply crisis.

The extreme heat in India follows a recent cyclone that impacted West Bengal and northeastern Mizoram, also affecting Bangladesh and resulting in at least 65 deaths. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department attributed the intensity and duration of the cyclone to climate change.