Delhi on 4-day heatwave warning by IMD, national capital experiences hottest day of season at 44.6C | Today’s news
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for Delhi, predicting a gradual rise in maximum temperatures of about 2°C till May 20. In addition, the IMD has suggested an increase in minimum temperatures by 2-3°C during the day.
The national capital records its hottest day of the season
The national capital recorded its hottest day of the current summer season a day earlier, with the Safdarjung Base Observatory recording a maximum temperature of 43.4°C. The Ridge weather station recorded the highest maximum temperature of 44.6 °C among all locations in Delhi on 18 May.
Forecasting more days of heat for Delhi and other states, the IMD in its latest press release said, “Heat wave conditions in isolated pockets are likely to prevail over Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi during 19-24 Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh…. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam during 20- May 24; Marathawada May 19;
Today’s weather in Delhi
A yellow warning has been issued for intense heat, which will remain in place until May 22. The Met Office forecast “mainly clear” for the day and “heatwaves in isolated places. Sustained strong surface winds of 15-25km/h, with occasional gusts of up to 35km/h, during the day”. The maximum temperature in the city is expected to remain 3.1°C to 5.0°C above normal and settle around 43°C to 45°C. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature is most likely to hover around 27°C to 29°C, remaining 1.5°C to 3.0°C above normal.
Speaking to ANI on Monday, IMD scientist Akhilesh Shrivastav said heatwaves over regions of northwest India, along with central India and nearby areas are “likely to persist during the next week – meaning for the next 7 days”.
Stating that temperatures are already high in Delhi-NCR and are expected to rise further, he said, “Our estimate is that during the next week, temperatures in Delhi could remain between 42-44 degrees Celsius.” According to Akhilesh Shrivastava, temperatures could reach 45 degrees by May 21 and isolated heat waves are also expected in Delhi. He added, “An ‘orange alert’ has been issued for Delhi on May 19 and 20.
Is there a threat of precipitation in the coming days?
On the possibility of rainfall in the coming days, Shrivastav added, “Northwest India will remain largely dry, leading to an increase in temperatures. However, rainfall is expected in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. A heavy to very heavy rainfall warning has been issued for Kerala. Karnataka may also witness hailstorms while northeast India is expected to experience heavy rain.”
Amid a severe heat wave sweeping the capital, the Delhi government’s ‘cooling zones’ in congested areas, bus stands and metro stations are providing much-needed relief to the public, helping people cope with the intense summer conditions. Managed with the support of Delhi Disaster Management Authority and Civil Defense Volunteers, the camps are provided with ORS water, normal water, cold drinking water, coolers, ventilators and caps.
