Delhi to witness 40 degrees Celsius temperature, heatwave: IMD
Delhi is likely to witness a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius on Tuesday while heatwave conditions are on, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The maximum temperature forecast for some weather observatories in the city is even higher. At Narela, the maximum temperature is likely to be 42°C, while it will settle at 41°C at the Ridge and Lodhi Road, IMD said.
Why does this story matter?
As per IMD, Delhi is facing intense heat due to the lack of rain in March. The national capital receives 15.9 mm of rainfall in March on average, which has not been met yet this year. Notably, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is more than 40 degrees Celsius and is at least 4.5 degrees Celsius above the normal temperature.
IMD predicts heatwave conditions for next two days
The IMD has predicted severe heatwave conditions for the next two days around the national capital. The maximum temperature is likely to settle at 40 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to stand at around 22 degrees Celsius. However, the maximum temperature is likely to fall to around 38 degrees Celsius on April 1 with strong winds, the weather agency added.
How to avoid heat exposure?
The IMD has advised people to avoid heat exposure and wear light-colored cotton clothes. The heat is considered tolerable for the general public but can be a moderate health concern for vulnerable people, including those with chronic diseases and elderly people, IMD added.
Delhi's minimum temperature hit 18.8 degrees Celsius on Tuesday
On Tuesday, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 18.8 degrees Celsius, which is a degree above normal. The relative humidity at 8.30 am on Tuesday was 48% and the temperature at the same time was 24.8 degrees Celsius at the Safdarjung weather observatories. At 12: 30 pm, Delhi's temperature hovered around 37 degrees Celsius, as per Skymet.
Temperature in Delhi crossed 40 degrees Celsius on Monday
On Monday, many areas in the National Capital Region recorded 40 degrees Celsius or above. Narela recorded the highest temperature, which was 42 degrees Celsius. Observatories at Lodhi Road, Ridge, Gurgaon, Ayanagar, Najafgarh, Pitampura, and Sports Complex all recorded above the 40-degree mark on Monday. The minimum temperature also stood two notches above the season average at 20.4 degrees Celsius, according to IMD.
