Delhi: Heatwave conditions in parts of city predicted

Delhi woke up to a warm Tuesday morning with the minimum temperature settling at 22.4°C, 2.2 degrees above the seasonal average, as heatwave conditions gripped parts of the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the next two days, forecasting maximum temperatures around 41°C and advising residents to take precautions against the intense heat.

Several weather stations — including Safdarjung, Ridge, and Ayanagar — reported temperatures above the 40°C mark, officially meeting the IMD’s criteria for a heatwave in the plains. Ridge and Ayanagar recorded highs of 41°C, while Palam and Lodhi Road stations reported temperatures close to 39°C. A heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40°C or when it exceeds the normal by 4.5°C to 6.4°C.

According to IMD officials, heatwave conditions are expected to persist until April 9. Relief is likely from April 10 onwards, when a western disturbance is expected to bring cloud cover and a drop in temperature across Northwest India, including Delhi.

Meanwhile, the city recorded its first heatwave of the season on Monday, with the maximum temperature touching 40.2°C. This early onset is similar to 2022, when Delhi experienced its first April heatwave on the 8th, with a high of 41.6°C. No such event was observed in April in 2023 and 2024, though the 40°C threshold was crossed mid-to-late in the month in both years.

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Air quality continues to be a concern, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the ‘poor’ category. The CPCB recorded an AQI of 261 at 4 pm on Monday and 216 at 9 am on Tuesday. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered poor and may cause breathing discomfort for sensitive groups.

Humidity levels on Monday ranged between 45% and 25%, adding to the discomfort. The IMD has advised people to stay hydrated, wear light-coloured cotton clothing, and avoid heat exposure, particularly during peak afternoon hours.

(With inputs from PTI)