As the national capital continues to reel under the scorching heat, Delhi, on Tuesday, recorded its highest-ever temprature as Narela sizzled at 49.9 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. According to the India Meteorlogical Department, heatwave conditions are likely to persist in Delhi for the next few days.
Adding to people's misery in the capital was the intense heatwave and the hot winds flowing from Rajasthan.
The record-high temperature in Delhi comes just days after Rajasthan's Phalodi recorded 50 degrees Celsius.
Though the entire region suffered due to the scorching heat, the outskirts, especially, witnessed very high temperatures.
The city's Safdarjung observatory recorded its highest temperature on May 28, at 45.8 degreesw Celsisu, which was five notches above the seasonal average.
On the capital's outskirts, the temperatures on Tuesday in Mungeshpur and Narela was recorded at 49.9 degrees Celsius, nine notches above normal.
The mercury in Najafgarh rose to 49.8 degrees Celsius, while Pitampura and Pusa recorded 48.5 degrees Celsius.
While explaining the reason behind the bistering heat, the vice president of Meteorology and Climate Change at Skymet Weather,Mahesh Palawat said: "In open areas with vacant land, there is increased radiation. Direct sunlight and lack of shade make these regions exceptionally hot."
"When wind blows from the west, it affects these areas first. As they are on the outskirts, temperatures rise rapidly," Palawat added.
The head of IMD, Kuldeep Srivastava, said Delhi's outskirts are the first areas to be hit by hot winds from Rajasthan.
"Parts of Delhi are particularly susceptible to the early arrival of these hot winds, worsening the already severe weather. Areas like Mungeshpur, Narela and Najafgarh are the first to experience the full force of these hot winds," he said.
IMD's Charan Singh stated that open areas and barren land contribute to higher temperatures due to increased radiation.
Towards the end of May, Delhi has witnessed a steady increase in temperatures. The maximum temperature on May 28 was slightly higher than Sunday, when the city recorded 45.4 degrees Celsius.