Study Guides/Geography/Highest Temperature Recorded in India
Study Guide · Geography

What is the Highest Temperature Ever Recorded in India?

India experiences brutal, scorching summers. Between April and June, hot, dry winds called 'Loo' sweep across North India, making it impossible to step outside. While temperatures of 45°C are common in cities like Delhi, there is one specific place that broke all historical records and crossed the terrifying 50°C mark.

Question (Click to Flip)

Is Delhi hotter than Rajasthan?

Answer

No. While Delhi suffers from intense heat waves and high humidity (making it feel worse), the raw numerical temperature in the deep deserts of Rajasthan (like Churu and Phalodi) is always mathematically higher.

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Key Facts

Before Phalodi broke the record in 2016, the previous record for the highest temperature was held by Alwar (also in Rajasthan) at 50.6°C, recorded way back in 1956.

Globally, the highest officially verified temperature on Earth was recorded in 'Death Valley', California (USA), which hit an insane 56.7°C in 1913.

1. The All-Time Record

  • The Temperature: The highest officially confirmed temperature ever recorded in India is a blistering 51.0°C (123.8°F).
  • The Location: This terrifying heat was recorded in Phalodi, a small city located in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan.
  • The Date: This record was officially set on May 19, 2016.

2. Why is Phalodi so incredibly hot?

  • Geography: Phalodi is situated deep inside the barren Thar Desert. There are no oceans or massive forests nearby to cool the air.
  • Sand Heat: Sand is terrible at absorbing heat. During the day, the desert sand instantly reflects the sun's harsh rays directly back into the air, turning the entire region into a massive baking oven.
  • Anticyclone Effect: In May 2016, a massive high-pressure system trapped the hot air close to the ground, preventing any cool winds from entering the state.

3. The Impact of 51 Degrees Celsius

At 51°C, the human body begins to fail:

  • Roads literally melt, causing vehicle tires to stick to the boiling tar.
  • The human body loses water extremely fast through sweat, leading to severe dehydration and deadly 'Heat Strokes' if a person stays outside for more than 30 minutes.
  • Birds fall dead from the sky, and massive crop failures occur as the soil cracks open.

Questions and Answers

Is Delhi hotter than Rajasthan?+

No. While Delhi suffers from intense heat waves and high humidity (making it feel worse), the raw numerical temperature in the deep deserts of Rajasthan (like Churu and Phalodi) is always mathematically higher.

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