NEW DELHI: Reeling under an intense spell of summer, Delhi continued to bake on Monday as temperatures soared past the 42-degree mark, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in the first half of the day.
While the capital braces for another day of searing heat, there is cautious optimism on the horizon, with changing weather patterns expected to bring a gradual dip in temperatures and some respite in the coming days.
However, by evening dust storms and high-speed winds swept across the capital, and IMD issued an ongoing yellow alert for thunderstorms and rain. The yellow alert indicates that light to moderate rain and thunderstorms, with wind speeds reaching up to 50 km/h, are anticipated in the area.
The weather office has forecast a minimum temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius and a maximum of about 42 degrees Celsius for Tuesday. However, thunderstorms and rain are expected, providing some relief from the oppressive heat, with a yellow alert specifically issued for April 29.
According to Mahesh Palawat of Skymet, “There is a cyclonic circulation over adjoining central Pakistan, northwest Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana. It is currently strong and moving towards north-east India. Parts of Rajasthan and Haryana may receive rainfall tonight, and the system is expected to reach Delhi on Tuesday and persist till April 30.”
He further mentioned that high winds are anticipated as the circulation moves from Rajasthan, potentially triggering dust storms alongside moderate rainfall and thunderstorms, which can be classified as pre-monsoon rainfall.
However, heatwave conditions are still expected to continue, and temperatures are projected to remain above normal.
With the upcoming change in weather, the IMD has advised people to avoid taking shelter under trees, staying clear of concrete walls, floors, water bodies, and electrical conductors. It is also recommended to unplug electronic devices and remain alert for worsening weather conditions.
On Monday, Safdarjung, the city’s base station, recorded the maximum temperature at 42.3 degrees Celsius, 3.3 degrees above normal, making it the second-hottest day of the month.
Additionally, Palam also recorded a maximum of 42.3 degrees Celsius, about 2.1 degrees above normal, while Lodhi Road logged 42.4 degrees Celsius, about 4.4 degrees above normal. Minimum temperatures across stations also remained above normal.
Lodhi Road recorded a minimum of 23.6 degrees Celsius, about 0.6 degrees above normal, Ridge 25.8 degrees Celsius, 0.9 degrees above normal, and Ayanagar 24.4 degrees Celsius, about 0.7 degrees above normal.
Meanwhile, the city’s air quality remains in the ‘moderate’ category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 197.
1. The yellow alert indicates that light to moderate rain and thunderstorms, with wind speeds reaching up to 50 km/h, are anticipated in the area.
2. Free cold water and ORS counters to be available near bus shelters
3. MCD and PWD directed to safeguard sanitation and construction workers
4. Stocking of essential medicines and emergency facilities
5. Fire, power, and water depts on alert to ensure interrupted supply