NEW DELHI: Despite temperatures remaining below the 40-degree Celsius mark for the second consecutive day, Delhiites experienced significant discomfort due to a soaring heat index of 53 degrees Celsius caused by high humidity levels across the city.
On Sunday, several areas recorded light rain, with Safdarjung reporting a maximum temperature of 39.8 degrees Celsius, just above the normal range. This slight relief followed a persistent heatwave period from mid-May to late June, marking the highest number of heatwave days in at least 14 years.
“The heat index, which measures how hot it feels due to combined temperature and humidity, spiked to 53 degrees Celsius, up from 47 degrees Celsius the previous day,” stated officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Humidity fluctuated between 49% and 73% over the past 24 hours, exacerbating discomfort despite the lower temperature.
IMD forecasts very light rain and the possibility of thunderstorms over the coming week, signaling a potential break from the scorching conditions. The onset of the normal monsoon in Delhi is expected around June 27, providing further relief from the prolonged heat.
“Monday is under a ‘yellow’ alert for thunderstorms accompanied by very light rain and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph,” noted an IMD official. Although temperatures are expected to hover around 39 degrees Celsius on Monday, they may rise above 40 degrees Celsius again starting Tuesday.
Looking ahead, IMD predicts temperatures in the range of 40-42 degrees Celsius from June 25 to 28, tapering back to around 39 degrees Celsius by June 29. Meanwhile, minimum temperatures are likely to range between 29-31 degrees Celsius over the next few days.
As Delhi prepares for fluctuating weather patterns, including intermittent rains and potential heat spells, residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to mitigate weather-related risks.
The combination of updated forecasts and ongoing monitoring by IMD and local authorities aims to ensure timely alerts and effective management of weather impacts across the capital city.
