The Delhi-National Capital region, already grappling with sweltering heat, may have to brace for harsher days, with temperatures expected to rise and no immediate relief in sight.
As the heatwave continues to worsen, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida and Gurugram.
The maximum temperature is expected to remain above 45 degrees Celsius on Thursday. A colour-coded alert for extreme heat and ‘pigeon’ conditions remains active across Delhi and the NCR, according to the Meteorological Department.
Delhi weather for next 7 days
The Meteorological Office has forecast heatwave conditions in the national capital until May 26. According to the IMD’s seven-day forecast, Delhi is likely to witness “strong surface winds during the afternoon and evening”.
Read also | Heatwave worsens power outages across Noida, Greater Noida; Mercury reaches 42.5 degrees Celsius
Temperatures are expected to remain above 44 degrees Celsius throughout the week, while the minimum temperature is likely to settle around 28 degrees Celsius.
A little immediate relief
Forecasters said the prevailing weather pattern indicated little immediate relief in northwest India.
“Pre-monsoon activities will remain absent from northwest and central India for at least a week. Dry and hot winds blowing across Pakistan and the Thar Desert will increase temperatures in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. There is no relief expected over the next four days,” said Mahesh Palawat, Vice President, Climate and Meteorology, Skymet Weather.
Power outage across Noida, Greater Noida
The extreme heat also sparked widespread complaints about power outages across Noida and Greater Noida. Gautam Buddh Nagar city recorded a temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, with many residents reporting frequent power outages, especially during the night.
Read also | Noida, Ghaziabad residents receive ‘worse than pigeons’ alert amid intense heatwave
Several residents told HT that frequent power outages are making it more difficult to cope with the high temperatures.
Public notifications issued by Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (PVVNL) showed that scheduled lockdowns have been implemented in some areas of Noida due to ongoing infrastructure upgrade works. The work includes installation of breakers and control panels, along with replacement of damaged systems under the Renewable Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
“Worse than pigeons” alert.
Residents of Delhi, National Capital Region, Noida and Ghaziabad on Wednesday received another weather alert on their phones, warning them of winds “worse than doves”.
In an alert sent by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), a warning has been issued for Aligarh, Etah, Gautam Budh Nagar, Ghaziabad, Hathras, Kanpur Nagar, Mainpuri, Mathura, Mirzapur and Bhadohi for extremely hot and dry winds.
Male NDMA Alert Phrase – Lo se bhi bhishan lo – which translates to pigeon farts being scarier than pigeons.
(With inputs from Maria Khan)
