Delhi experienced its initial heatwave of the season on Monday, with temperatures reaching 40.2 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has extended a yellow alert for the next two days. Other monitoring points, Ridge and Ayanagar, recorded temperatures reaching 41 degrees.
Palam and Lodhi Road stations registered temperatures of approximately 39 degrees Celsius, according to IMD data.
The yellow alert status remains active for the next two days, as confirmed by a weather department representative. A yellow alert indicates ‘Be Aware’ and recommends avoiding heat exposure, wearing light-coloured, loose cotton attire, and protecting one’s head with appropriate coverings.
“Three stations — Safdarjung, Ridge and Ayanagar — met the heatwave criteria today, marking the first day of heatwave conditions this season. “These conditions are likely to continue until April 9. From April 10 onwards, a drop in temperature is expected over Northwest India, including Delhi,” the IMD stated.
IMD data indicates that Delhi typically reaches 40 degrees Celsius in late April. This year’s early arrival of 40-degree temperatures mirrors the pattern observed in 2022. Records show that in 2022, Delhi’s first heatwave occurred on April 8, with temperatures reaching 41.6 degrees Celsius. April 2023 and 2024 saw no heatwaves, though temperatures reached 40 degrees on April 15, 2023, and April 26, 2024.
IMD defines a heatwave when temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius in plains or 30 degrees in hilly regions, or when temperatures deviate from normal by 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius.
Skymet Weather Services’ Mahesh Palawat predicts weather changes post April 10, with cloudy conditions and temperature reduction due to a western disturbance.
Monday’s humidity levels in Delhi varied between 45% and 25% throughout the day.
Tuesday’s forecast anticipates clear skies with heatwave conditions, maximum temperature around 41 degrees Celsius, and minimum around 22 degrees Celsius.
The capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remained ‘poor’ on Monday, measuring 261 at 4 pm, according to Central Pollution Control Board data.
AQI classifications range from ‘good’ (0-50), ‘satisfactory’ (51-100), ‘moderate’ (101-200), ‘poor’ (201-300), ‘very poor’ (301-400), to ‘severe’ (401-500).
