Delhi temperature to soar to 45C this week amid heat wave alert; check out IMD’s 7-day forecast | Today’s news
Delhi experienced scorching heat on Monday as the temperature soared to 44 degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heat waves in the national capital on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the Hindustan Times.
According to the IMD, a heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature exceeds 40°C and is at least 4.5°C above the seasonal average. It is also classified as a heat wave if the temperature reaches 45°C or higher, regardless of how much it deviates from normal. A “severe” heat wave is declared when the temperature is 6.5 °C or more above normal.
The IMD officially declares a heat wave only when these conditions are observed at at least two weather stations in a meteorological subdivision for two consecutive days with the declaration on the second day.
IMD weather forecast for Delhi for 7 days
On May 18, the maximum temperature is expected to remain between 43°C and 45°C, while the minimum is likely to be around 26.3°C.
On May 19, the maximum temperature is expected to be between 43°C and 45°C, while the minimum temperature is expected to be between 27°C and 29°C. The IMD has predicted heatwave conditions at isolated places.
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On May 20, temperatures are likely to range from 43°C to 45°C during the day and 26°C to 28°C at night. Mainly clear skies are expected along with heat conditions in isolated places.
On May 21, the maximum temperature is expected to be between 42°C and 44°C, while the minimum is likely to remain between 26°C and 28°C. Heat waves may continue in isolated places under mostly clear skies.
On May 22, daytime temperatures are expected to range from 42°C to 44°C, minimum temperatures 26°C to 28°C. Skies will remain mostly clear and isolated heat waves are likely.
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On May 23, the maximum temperature is likely to be between 42°C and 44°C, while the minimum will range from 26°C to 28°C.
On May 24, Delhi is expected to witness a maximum temperature of 42°C to 44°C and a minimum temperature of 26°C to 28°C.
The IMD has predicted a heat wave in several northern states and Union territories, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, from May 18 to May 22. Temperatures in northwest India are expected to gradually rise by 3°C to 5°C till May 20.
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“Maximum temperatures over Delhi are expected to remain above normal in the coming days and heat waves are likely to develop from May 18,” HT quoted an IMD official as saying.
The IMD advised residents to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, stay well hydrated and limit outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours. In its advisory, the ministry said high temperatures may increase the risk of heat-related symptoms, especially for people who spend long periods of time in direct sunlight or engage in strenuous outdoor work.
What did the expert say?
The report quoted Mahesh Palawat, president of Skymet weather, as saying, “The easterly winds have now changed to northwesterly winds coming from central Pakistan and Rajasthan which are dry and hot. This will naturally lead to an increase in temperature over the next few days with high probability of heatwave conditions.”
Meanwhile, earlier this season, some parts of Delhi experienced heat waves for three consecutive days from April 23 to 25. However, Safdarjung recorded only one hot day during this period – April 25 – when the maximum temperature reached 42.8°C, the highest temperature recorded in the city so far this year.
