The scorching heatwave has made a formidable comeback in Delhi after a brief respite of two days, with temperatures soaring to alarming levels in several parts of the city.
Najafgarh and Narela emerged as the hottest areas, recording a blistering 46.9°C on Monday, underscoring the intensity of the prevailing heatwave conditions. Safdarjung, the city’s primary weather station, reported a maximum temperature of 44.6 degrees Celsius, marking a significant resurgence of the heatwave after recording 42.8 degrees Celsius just a day prior. The relentless heatwave persisted for the 10th consecutive day in certain areas, exacerbating discomfort and posing health risks to residents.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts continued high temperatures on Tuesday, with Safdarjung expected to witness a maximum of around 44°C and a minimum of 31°C. Despite the influence of an active western disturbance, IMD anticipates heatwave conditions to persist in many areas, issuing an orange alert for heightened vigilance. Although IMD predicts the possibility of very light rain and thunderstorms towards late evening and night on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, the scorching temperatures are likely to endure. An IMD official highlighted the likelihood of heatwave conditions persisting on Tuesday, with subsequent days potentially witnessing relief in the form of rain and thundershowers.
The severity of the heatwave was evident in the staggering temperature readings across various regions of Delhi. Areas such as Ayanagar, Jafarpur, Pitampura, and Pusa experienced sweltering conditions, with temperatures surpassing 45 degrees Celsius. The Ridge recorded 44.9 degrees Celsius, qualifying as a heatwave, while Narela’s temperature surged seven notches above normal, classifying it as a severe heatwave.
The heat index, indicative of the ‘feel-like’ temperature, soared to 46 degrees Celsius on Monday, accentuated by increased moisture influx. Humidity levels fluctuated between 55% to 19%, further intensifying the discomfort caused by the scorching weather conditions. As Delhi grapples with the resurgence of the heatwave, authorities urge residents to take precautionary measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the soaring temperatures. With heatwave conditions prevailing, adherence to safety protocols and adequate hydration remain paramount to safeguarding public health and well-being amidst the sweltering summer heat.
