This Saturday, Delhi voters are expected to face the hottest conditions ever for a Lok Sabha election in the capital, with temperatures forecasted to reach 46 degrees Celsius. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts severe heatwave conditions across the city, particularly in Safdarjung and Palam.
Historical Comparison: The hottest election day recorded in Delhi was on May 10, 2004, when the temperature reached 41.4 degrees Celsius. This upcoming Saturday could surpass that record, making it the hottest polling day in Delhi’s history. The IMD has issued red warnings for severe temperatures in both Delhi and Haryana, which also votes on the same day. Temperatures are expected to rise steadily from Thursday, hitting 44 degrees Celsius, then 45 degrees on Friday, and peaking at 46 degrees over the weekend.
Recent Weather Trends: In the past 16 years, Safdarjung has only recorded temperatures of 46 degrees Celsius once, on May 27, 2020. The all-time high for any month at this station is 47.2 degrees Celsius, recorded on May 29, 1944.
Meteorological Factors: Two key factors are driving the soaring temperatures, according to IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra. Firstly, an anti-cyclonic circulation over southwest Madhya Pradesh is causing atmospheric subsidence, compressing air over the land and making it hotter. Secondly, a depression over the Bay of Bengal, which might intensify into a cyclone by May 25, is drawing air towards it, resulting in hot northwesterly winds sweeping into Delhi.
Election Timing and Turnout: This is only the second time general elections in Delhi are being held during the peak summer period of May 16 to June 9. The last instance was on May 20, 1991, when the temperature was a relatively mild 36.5 degrees Celsius. Weather conditions can significantly impact voter turnout, as seen in the last Lok Sabha poll in 2019. Held on May 12, 2019, with a maximum temperature of 41 degrees Celsius, voter turnout dipped to 60.6%, a 4.5 percentage point drop from the previous election on April 10, 2014, when the temperature was a more comfortable 32 degrees Celsius. Despite the heat, both elections resulted in the BJP winning all seven city seats.
As Delhi prepares for another scorching election day, authorities and voters alike will be watching closely to see how the extreme weather impacts turnout and election results.