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.
Also Read: Increasing number of children go missing in Delhi, this is why
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)
Govt, however, acknowledged that air pollution is one of the triggering factors for respiratory ailments…
Rising air pollution levels in the capital, the Delhi government on Thursday undertook a comprehensive…
Parents say online classes during severe air pollution ignore the digital realities of economically weaker…
Rival leagues trigger players’ suspensions and a legal battle in Indian golf, for now
Former Delhi CM Kejriwal criticises Centre, Delhi govt over worsening air pollution, alleges AQI manipulation
Delhi Police raids Nangloi unit producing fake engine oil, seizes over Rs 1 crore worth…
