The capital of India, Delhi, has been facing an intense heatwave for weeks, with daily temperatures consistently exceeding 40°C, creating serious health and social challenges for millions of residents.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), maximum air temperatures of around 43.5°C have been recorded on certain days. However, field measurements using thermal cameras show significantly higher surface temperatures, reaching up to 64°C in some cases, especially on asphalt, metal, and other directly exposed materials.
Experts explain that this discrepancy is due to differences in measurement methods: official data reflects air temperature under standard conditions, while thermal cameras measure surface temperatures, which heat up far more under direct sunlight.
Field research by Greenpeace India shows dramatic variations even over short distances — in shaded areas temperatures can be around 40°C, while in direct sunlight on asphalt they can exceed 60°C.
“Continuous exposure to such temperatures can cause serious health consequences,” researchers warn.
Medical experts emphasize that the human body struggles to function under extreme heat. Prolonged exposure can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, confusion, and in severe cases even organ failure.
Doctors recommend drinking water regularly, wearing light-colored and loose clothing, and avoiding outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day.
However, for many residents of Delhi, this is not a choice. Street vendors and workers continue their jobs despite dangerous conditions, as their livelihood depends on daily income.
“What choice do we have, poor people?” says one street vendor, describing the daily struggle with unbearable heat.
Field reports show that even public surfaces such as benches and pedestrian zones reach temperatures above 50°C, making movement and rest outdoors even more difficult.
Indoors, conditions are not much better — in many homes heat becomes trapped, and fans only circulate hot air without providing real cooling.
Residents describe disturbed sleep, fatigue, and a constant sense of exhaustion, while the heatwave continues with no clear signs of easing.
