Delhi Braces for Intense Heatwave as Temperatures Climb above 40°C

New Delhi: The capital is set to experience a surge in temperature, with the mercury expected to breach the 40°C mark, as predicted by the India Meteorological Department(IMD). The agency has issued a “yellow” alert for a heatwave from Monday through Wednesday, urging residents to stay alert and take necessary precautions.

According to the IMD, a day qualifies as a heatwave when the maximum temperature is 4.5°C or more above the average and reaches at least 40°C. If the temperature hits or exceeds 45°C, it is also classified as a heatwave. A “severe” heatwave is recorded when the temperature rises 6.5°C or more above the norm.

The capital has already begun to feel the heat. On Sunday, the maximum temperature at Safdarjung—-the city’s reference weather station—--was recorded at 38.2°C, which is three degrees above the usual. This was a noticeable rise from Saturday’s 35.7°C. The highest temperature in the city was observed at the Rodge Observatory in North Delhi at 39.3°C, followed by Pitampura at 38.9°C.

The minimum temperature on Sunday dropped to 18.5°C, which is two degrees below average, However, temperatures are expected to hover between 40°C and 42°C on Monday and Tuesday. A Met Department official warned, “As the day temperature is likely to show a rising trend, heatwave conditions are likely in the city.”

Mahesh Palawat, Vice President of Meteorology at Skymet, elaborated on the weather pattern: “Warm and light south-easterly winds are likely to blow in the city over the next two to three days. Due to bright sunshine, light, and warm winds, the mercury is expected to rise.” He further mentioned that a dip in temperature might occur from April 10, owing to cloud cover influenced by a western disturbance.

While parts of Delhi have already crossed the 40°C threshold this season, Safdarjung has yet to record such a spike. Historical data from the IMD reveals that heatwaves typically impact the city from mid-April to early June. Though no heatwave days were reported at Safdarjung in April 2023, five such days were observed in May 2024. Interestingly, April 2022 witnessed nine heatwave days, highlighting the variability in seasonal patterns.

Alongside the rising heat, Delhi’s air quality has declined. The Air Quality Index(AQI) worsened to 209 on Sunday, categorizing it as “poor”, compared to 163 on Saturday, which was considered “moderate”. The Air Quality Early Warning System, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, forecasts that the air quality will remain “poor” until April 8 but may improve to “moderate” by April 9.

As Delhi gears up for a scorching week, residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and remain vigilant amid deteriorating environmental conditions.