Heatwave grips Delhi, maximum to settle at 42 degrees Celsius

Delhi woke up to a warm morning on Friday, with the minimum temperature settling at 21.6 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for the day, with the maximum temperature expected to touch 42 degrees Celsius.

At 8:30 am, the humidity level was recorded at 24 per cent, adding to the discomfort. According to IMD guidelines, a heatwave is declared when temperatures reach 40°C or more in the plains, 37°C in coastal regions, and 30°C in hilly areas.

Air quality in the national capital remained in the ‘poor’ category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 239 at 9 am, as per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

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On Thursday, the city recorded a high of 41.2 degrees Celsius—3.5 degrees above the seasonal average—while the minimum dropped to 20 degrees Celsius. Evening humidity stood at 14 per cent.

Temperatures in Delhi are likely to remain between 40 and 42 degrees Celsius over the coming days. The IMD has forecast mainly clear and issued a heatwave alert for the weekend. Strong surface winds are expected during the daytime. Heatwave conditions are likely to prevail in the next few days.

(With inputs from PTI)