The national capital on Saturday recorded its hottest day of the season, with temperatures soaring to 43.7 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported. In response, a 'red alert' was issued, predicting severe heat across many parts of the city over the next two days.
Mungeshpur experienced the highest temperature in the city at 46.8 degrees Celsius, followed by Najafgarh at 46.7 degrees, Pitampura at 46.2 degrees, Pusa at 46 degrees, Aya Nagar at 45.2 degrees, and Palam at 44.2 degrees. Delhi's base weather station at Safdarjung recorded a high of 43.7 degrees Celsius, which was over three notches above the season's normal and marked the highest temperature this season.
The IMD has forecast heatwave conditions in many parts of Delhi, warning of severe heat. They also predict a partly cloudy sky with strong surface winds at speeds of 25 to 35 kmph over the coming days.
Highlighting the impact of the heatwave in its seven-day forecast, the IMD urged residents to take extreme care, especially vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. They emphasized the high likelihood of heat-related illnesses and heat strokes for people of all ages.
"To avoid heat exposure and stay cool, prevent dehydration," the IMD advised. They recommended drinking sufficient water and using ORS or homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, and buttermilk to stay hydrated.
According to the IMD, a heatwave is defined when the maximum temperature at a weather station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius, with a deviation from the normal of at least 4.5 degrees or more. A severe heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is 6.5 degrees above the normal.
On Saturday, the relative humidity in Delhi oscillated between 70 percent and 18 percent. The minimum temperature was recorded at 27.1 degrees Celsius, slightly above the season's average.
For Sunday, the IMD predicts the maximum and minimum temperatures to reach around 44 and 28 degrees Celsius, respectively.
