Delhi's power demand soared to an all-time high of 7542 megawatts (MW) on Wednesday, as the city recorded a maximum temperature of 43.4 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This surpasses the previous record of 7416 MW set on June 29, 2023.
Record-Breaking Power Consumption
The peak demand was met successfully, with the power department ensuring uninterrupted supply. The Delhi government attributed the surge to the intense heatwave conditions prevailing in the region. The IMD has issued a red alert for the next few days, warning of severe heatwave conditions.
Heatwave Conditions Intensify
The maximum temperature of 43.4°C was recorded at the Safdarjung observatory, which is the city's base station. Other parts of Delhi experienced even higher temperatures, with some areas touching 45°C. The relative humidity oscillated between 25% and 40%, adding to the discomfort.
The IMD has predicted that the heatwave will persist for the next two to three days, with temperatures likely to hover around 44°C. No significant relief is expected until the weekend, when a western disturbance might bring some respite.
Government Preparedness
In response to the escalating power demand, the Delhi government has directed the power distribution companies (discoms) to ensure adequate supply and maintain grid stability. Additional transformers and backup arrangements have been made to handle the load. Citizens have been advised to use electricity judiciously and avoid wastage.
Health Advisory Issued
The health department has issued a heatwave advisory, urging people to stay indoors during peak hours, keep themselves hydrated, and avoid direct sun exposure. Hospitals have been put on alert to handle heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration.
The city has witnessed a sharp rise in power consumption over the past week, with daily demand exceeding 7000 MW. The previous record of 7416 MW was set last summer. The current spike underscores the growing energy needs of the national capital amid extreme weather events linked to climate change.
