NEW DELHI: The scorching heatwave continued to grip Delhi-NCR for the second consecutive day, with temperatures surpassing 45°C at 10 weather stations on Saturday. Mungeshpur in northwest Delhi recorded the highest temperature at a blistering 46.8°C.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Sunday, warning of a high likelihood of heat illness and heat stroke across all age groups. An orange alert has been announced for May 20-22, predicting that the extreme heat will persist throughout the coming week with maximum temperatures hovering around 45°C. Some areas might see temperatures climb even higher by one to two degrees.
Heatwave Intensifies
The IMD considers a heatwave when the maximum temperature hits 45°C or more. On Saturday, Safdarjung, the city’s base station, recorded a maximum temperature of 43.7°C, which is three degrees above normal and the highest so far this season. On Friday, the temperature at Safdarjung was 43.6°C.
Other areas experiencing temperatures over 45°C include Ridge (45.5°C), Ayanagar (45.2°C), Gurgaon (45°C), Faridabad (45.8°C), Jafarpur (45.6°C), Najafgarh (46.7°C), Noida (45.6°C), Pitampura (46.1°C), and Pusa (46°C). Najafgarh was the hottest location in the country on Friday with a staggering 47.4°C.
A severe heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is 6.5 degrees or more above normal. The high temperatures are attributed to dry and hot westerly winds, direct sunlight, and the lack of moisture in the air.
Advice for Residents
IMD officials emphasized that the peak temperatures during this time of year are expected. The IMD bulletin predicts continued heatwave to severe heatwave conditions over the plains of northwest India, including Delhi, for the next five days.
Residents are advised to avoid heat exposure, stay hydrated, and keep cool. Even if not feeling thirsty, drinking plenty of water is crucial.
The minimum temperature on Saturday was 27.1°C, slightly above normal. With the relentless heatwave showing no signs of abating, Delhi-NCR residents are urged to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the severe weather conditions.
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