Residents of Delhi are now experiencing ‘peak summer’ conditions as temperatures continue to rise unabated across the national capital. With the temperature expected to remain above 40 degrees Celsius for the next three days, the India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions, warning people to take precautions against prolonged exposure to the scorching heat.
Delhi is likely to record a maximum temperature of 44 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 28 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, according to the Meteorological Department’s weekly weather update.
What is the reason behind the hot weather in Delhi?
Mahesh Palawat, Vice President, Skymet Weather, said the rise in temperature was due to the absence of any active western disturbance and cyclone cycles, HT reported earlier. “Dry and hot winds coming from the west and northwest are also affecting the city. No major relief is expected next week,” Palawat said.
Temperatures recorded in Delhi on Tuesday
Among the meteorological stations in the city, Safdarjung recorded a minimum temperature of 28.2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday morning, which was 1.7 degrees above normal. Palam district recorded 28.1 degrees Celsius, one degree above the normal, while Lodhi Road recorded 27 degrees Celsius, three degrees above the seasonal average. The Ridge station recorded 28.1 degrees Celsius, 1.4 degrees above normal, and Ayanagar recorded 27.4 degrees Celsius, 0.9 degrees above normal.
Read also | Delhi thaws on the hottest day of the season at 43.4°C; There is no relief in sight in the coming days
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 189 in the ‘moderate’ category at 9 am, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board.
Yellow alert for the next three days
According to IMD’s weekly forecast, Delhi and the NCR are on yellow heatwave alert till May 22. Over the next three days, Delhi-NCR may witness heatwave conditions with mainly clear skies and strong surface winds, with no relief in sight yet.
Delhi records hottest day
The national capital on Monday witnessed the hottest day of the season so far, with the maximum temperature reaching 43.4 degrees Celsius at Safdarjung, the city’s primary meteorological station, according to the India Meteorological Department. The Meteorological Department expected no immediate improvement over the next three days and issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in isolated parts of the city as scorching temperatures continue to grip Delhi.
Measures proposed by IMD
- Moderate temperature, acceptable temperature for the general public but moderate health concern for vulnerable people. For example – infants and the elderly who suffer from chronic diseases.
- Avoid exposure to heat, wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose cotton clothing, cover your head, and use a cloth, hat, or umbrella.
- Drink as much water as possible, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Keep fire extinguishers in your home and in your vehicles.
