Delhi continues to suffer from intense heatwave, light rain expected

Delhi, the national capital, is experiencing a persistent heatwave with scorching temperatures expected to reach around 43 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Despite the heat, there is a glimmer of hope as the weather office has predicted light rain or drizzle later in the day.

Over the past few days, Delhi has been sweltering under the oppressive heat, with some areas of the city even surpassing the 46-degree mark on Monday. Tuesday morning witnessed a minimum temperature of 29.8 degrees Celsius, which is three notches above the normal range. The relative humidity at 8:30 am stood at 38 percent.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that the maximum temperature will hover around 43 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Additionally, a generally cloudy sky is expected with the possibility of light rain or drizzle later in the day.

The blistering heatwave has taken its toll on Delhi, putting strain on power grids and presenting challenges for outdoor laborers, homeless individuals, and animals. The IMD predicts that similar conditions will persist until Wednesday when some relief is expected with the arrival of rainfall.

The Safdarjung Observatory, Delhi’s primary weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 43.7 degrees Celsius on Monday, which is four notches above the normal range and the highest temperature recorded this year. Najafgarh experienced even hotter conditions, with the mercury soaring to 46.2 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest place in the capital. Narela (45.3 degrees Celsius), Pitampura (45.8 degrees Celsius), and Pusa (45.8 degrees Celsius) also reported heatwave conditions.

According to the IMD, a heatwave is classified when the maximum temperature of a region reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius in the plains, at least 37 degrees Celsius in coastal areas, and at least 30 degrees Celsius in hilly regions, with a departure from the normal temperature of at least 4.5 degrees Celsius. (With inputs from PTI)