Delhi is grappling with an intense heatwave, as temperatures have soared beyond 45 degrees Celsius for the ninth consecutive day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a severe heatwave as conditions where the maximum temperature exceeds 45 degrees Celsius or is 6.5 degrees or more above normal. On Monday, the capital experienced yet another blistering day, with the mercury rising above the 45-degree mark.
The oppressive heat has not relented even at night, marking the fourth consecutive day of unusually high nighttime temperatures. According to a report by the Times of India, this is the highest in the last 12 years, surpassing the three consecutive warm nights recorded in 2018. The IMD has issued a red alert for Tuesday, warning residents of the continuation of extreme weather conditions. However, some relief may be on the horizon, as the weather office has forecast light rain on Wednesday and Thursday, which could potentially bring down the temperatures.
Safdarjung, the city’s primary weather station, recorded a temperature of 45.2 degrees Celsius on Monday, which is six degrees above the normal for this time of year. The heat index, or the feels-like temperature, soared to 50 degrees Celsius, significantly higher than the 46 degrees Celsius recorded the previous day. The minimum temperature on Monday was 33 degrees Celsius, five degrees above normal. Jafarpur emerged as the hottest area in the city, with a scorching 46.9 degrees Celsius, closely followed by Pitampura at 46.5 degrees Celsius. These extreme conditions have exacerbated the discomfort for residents, with the heat index reaching perilous levels.
The prolonged heatwave is a matter of concern for both public health and infrastructure. Authorities are advising residents to take necessary precautions, such as staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours, and seeking medical attention if symptoms of heat-related illnesses occur. As Delhi braces for the possibility of continued extreme temperatures, the potential for light rainfall mid-week offers a glimmer of hope. Nevertheless, the persistence of such severe weather underscores the growing challenges posed by climate variability and the urgent need for adaptive measures.
