Rain in parts of Delhi brings relief from intense heat

Parts of the national capital witnessed drizzling, which brought relief from the intense heatwave in the city. The minimum temperature on Friday settled at 28.4 degrees Celsius, normal for this time of the season, the weather office said.

Visuals from many parts of the national capital showed rain lashing the streets, providing a welcome change from the scorching conditions that have gripped the region.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted some relief from the searing heatwave in Delhi over the weekend as the sky is likely to remain partly cloudy on Saturday and Sunday.

Thunderstorms accompanied by light rain are expected in some parts of the city on Friday, with the maximum temperature likely to settle around 40 degrees Celsius.

Delhi has been reeling under an intense heatwave and a severe water crisis. Despite a significant dip in temperature, Safdarjung Hospital reported six deaths in the past 24 hours due to heat-related illnesses.

Also Read: 6 more deaths in Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital due to heat-related illnesses; overall toll climbs to 56

Additionally, 10 new patients have been admitted with heat-related conditions. A senior official confirmed that 26 patients are currently undergoing treatment at the heat-related illness (HRI) unit, with 14 patients in critical condition and on ventilator support.

“To date, a total of 28 patients have died due to heatstroke at Safdarjung Hospital, while 88 patients suffering from heat-related illnesses have visited the facility,” he added.

The hospital has implemented comprehensive sensitisation programmes for healthcare providers, including training doctors and nursing staff in managing suspected HRI patients. Designated beds equipped with ventilators, monitors, and additional pedestal fans have been assigned for the active management of suspected HRI cases. Cooling devices, including ice packs, cool fluids, spraying devices, and cooling sheets, are available in ample quantities, supported by additional refrigerators in key areas of care.

Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital reported 18 deaths due to heatstroke from May 27 to June 20, with 73 patients admitted during this period. Lok Nayak (LNJP) Hospital recorded 10 deaths between June 15 and June 19. In total, 56 heat-related deaths have been reported in the national capital by these three hospitals.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital was recorded in the “moderate” category with a reading of 173 at 1 pm, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 “moderate”, 201 and 300 “poor”, 301 and 400 “very poor”, and 401 and 500 “severe”.