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Delhi recorded its first heatwave day of the month on Tuesday as strong dry winds and extreme heat pushed temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert, warning people about heatwave to severe heatwave conditions over the next few days.
Delhi's Extreme Heatwave Conditions
According to the IMD, the Safdarjung weather station, considered the city's main weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 45.1 degrees Celsius. This was 4.7 degrees above normal and 1.7 degrees higher than the previous day. Other parts of the city also recorded very high temperatures. Palam recorded 45.1 degrees Celsius, Lodhi Road touched 45.2 degrees Celsius, while the Ridge area became the hottest place in the city at 46.5 degrees Celsius. Ayanagar recorded 45.5 degrees Celsius.
Night temperatures also remained high across the city. Safdarjung recorded a minimum temperature of 28.2 degrees Celsius, which was above normal. Other stations, such as Palam, Ridge, Lodhi Road, and Ayanagar, also reported warmer-than-usual nights.
Delhi Heat Alert till 25 May
The IMD said that a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature crosses 40 degrees Celsius and remains 4.5 to 6.4 degrees above normal. The department has issued an orange alert till May 25 and advised people to stay prepared for extreme heat conditions. Wednesday's temperature is expected to remain around 44 degrees Celsius.
Reason behind the Extreme Heat
This was the fourth heatwave day in Delhi this year. Similar conditions were earlier recorded in April. Weather experts said that hot and dry northwesterly winds from the Thar Desert are causing high temperatures in the city. Due to the lack of rainfall and thunderstorms, the heat is getting trapped near the surface, making both days and nights hotter.
Delhi's Poor Air Quality
The city's air quality has also worsened. Delhi's Air Quality Index reached 208, placing it in the "poor" category. Officials warned that the continuing heat and pollution could increase the risk of heat-related illnesses and sunstroke.