New Delhi continues to endure intense heatwave conditions, with Narela recording a searing 46.6 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest area in the capital for the second consecutive day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange’ alert for Tuesday and Wednesday, signifying a high likelihood of severe heat. A ‘yellow’ alert has been issued for Thursday through June 16, indicating a watch for potentially dangerous weather.
On Monday, Safdarjung, the city’s base station, registered a maximum temperature of 43.4 degrees Celsius, which is three degrees above the seasonal norm. Despite the high temperature, no official heatwave was recorded at Safdarjung. However, several other localities, including Lodhi Road, Pitampura, Pusa, Jafarpur, and Najafgarh, experienced heatwave conditions. The minimum temperature was recorded at 28.6 degrees Celsius, slightly above the normal range. Relative humidity levels fluctuated between 16% and 49%, contributing to a heat index of 44.5 degrees Celsius, making the temperature feel even hotter.
The IMD forecasts that temperatures will remain elevated, predicting maximum temperatures of around 44 degrees Celsius on Tuesday and 45 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Outer areas of the city are expected to experience even higher temperatures. The heat index is predicted to be between 46 and 48 degrees Celsius over the next 48 hours, exacerbating the heatwave conditions.
“Heatwave conditions are likely to persist at many places on Tuesday and Wednesday,” stated an IMD official. “While the heat is generally tolerable for the public, it poses a moderate health concern for vulnerable populations, including infants, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses.” The IMD has advised the public to take precautions to avoid heat exposure, recommending lightweight, light-coloured, loose cotton clothing, and advising individuals to cover their heads with a cloth, hat, or umbrella.
From June 13 to 16, temperatures are anticipated to hover around 45 degrees Celsius, with continued heatwave conditions expected in certain areas. According to IMD criteria, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is at least 40 degrees Celsius and 4.5 degrees or more above normal. A ‘severe’ heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is 6.5 degrees or more above normal or reaches 45 degrees Celsius or higher.
Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 171. The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has projected that the air quality will stay within the ‘moderate’ category on Tuesday.
The persistent heatwave and accompanying alerts underline the importance of adequate preparation and awareness among Delhi’s residents, particularly as the city faces these extreme weather conditions. The measures advised by IMD are crucial for mitigating health risks associated with prolonged exposure to such high temperatures.
