Severe heatwave in Delhi likely to intensify from today: IMD
The continuing heatwave in Delhi is expected to worsen, with the maximum temperature expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and 43 degrees Celsius by Saturday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather agency has predicted no reprieve for at least a week. According to IMD officials, a prolonged dry spell has resulted in "severe" hot weather conditions in northwest India.
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As per IMD, India had its warmest March in 122 years, with a drastic heatwave scorching large swaths of the country. The unusual heat was attributed to a lack of rainfall caused by the absence of active western disturbances over northern India and any major systems over south India. In 2010, the country witnessed its now second-highest March temperature at 33.09 degrees Celsius.
Heatwave likely to continue in Delhi
Last Wednesday, the city's official weather station, the Safdarjung Observatory, recorded a maximum temperature of 39.6 degrees Celsius, the highest so far this season. Since the last week of March, parts of the national capital have been experiencing a heatwave, with maximum temperatures hovering above 40 degrees Celsius. "No rain is expected in the first and second weeks of April," an IMD official said.
Delhi received no rain in March 2022
For the first time since 2018, Delhi received no rain in March. On average, it receives 15.9 mm of rain every year in March. As per IMD, "The heatwave spell is likely to continue over most parts of Northwest India and Madhya Pradesh during the next five days." The hot weather has been attributed by experts to dry westerly winds.
IMD has issued advisory in several parts of India
Besides Delhi, temperatures in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan soared above 40 degrees as well. Citizens have been advised to stay indoors and minimize sun exposure since the heatwave could cause severe to moderate health issues for vulnerable people. The Ministry of Labour has also been advised to avoid involving laborers in outdoor activities to avoid direct sun exposure.
In March 2022, India received 71% less rainfall than average
The country as a whole received 8.9 mm of rain, which was 71% less than the long-term average of 30.4 mm. It was also the third-lowest March precipitation since 1901, trailing only 7.2 mm in 1909 and 8.7 mm in 1908.
