Delhi-NCR Heatwave Continues
The heatwave in northern India persists over the weekend, with Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) experiencing soaring temperatures. The mercury soared above 45 degrees Celsius on Saturday across multiple weather stations.
Heatwave Alerts
- Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a ‘Red’ alert for Sunday and an ‘Orange’ alert from May 20 to May 22.
- There is a high risk of heat-related illnesses for all age groups, as per the meteorological department.
Forecast for Delhi-NCR
The heatwave is expected to persist until May 22, with temperatures hovering around 45 degrees Celsius. Some areas, like Mungeshpur, may experience temperatures exceeding 45 degrees.
Recent Temperature Records
On Saturday, the maximum temperature at the Safdarjung Observatory in Delhi reached 43.7°C, three notches above normal, marking the highest recorded temperature of the season so far. Other areas also experienced high temperatures, with Najafgarh hitting 47.4°C on Friday.
IMD defines a heatwave when the maximum temperature reaches 45°C or higher, with a day being classified as a heatwave when temperatures are at least 4.5 degrees above normal and reach a minimum of 40°C. A ‘severe’ heatwave is declared when temperatures are 6.5 degrees above normal.
“Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are expected to persist over the plains of northwest India, including Delhi, for the next five days,” stated the IMD bulletin.
Mukul Sharma is a New Delhi-based multimedia journalist covering geopolitical developments in and beyond the Indian subcontinent.
