Key Points:
- Heatwave grips Delhi early in April: Maximum temperature at Safdarjung touches 40.2°C, 5.1°C above normal.
- Second April heatwave in 15 years: Similar conditions recorded in 2022 and 2011.
- Yellow alert issued: IMD warns of continued heatwave for the next two days, with temperatures expected to reach 42°C.
- Minimal rainfall this season: Lack of Western Disturbance activity has left Delhi and North India dry and hot.
New Delhi: Delhi residents are reeling under an early summer heatwave as temperatures soared past the 40°C mark on Monday, creating challenging conditions across the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a maximum temperature of 40.2°C at Safdarjung Observatory, which is 5.1°C higher than the seasonal average. This marks the second time in the past 15 years that Delhi has experienced a heatwave in April, with similar events occurring in April 2011 and April 2022.
Heatwave Conditions and Affected Areas
According to IMD guidelines, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature exceeds 40°C and is at least 4.5°C above normal. Severe heatwaves occur when this deviation surpasses 6.4°C.
- Apart from Safdarjung, Ridge and Ayanagar also recorded temperatures above 40°C.
- Ayanagar reported a maximum temperature of 6.1°C above normal, while Ridge was 5.9°C higher than average.
The intense sunshine began early in the morning on Monday, with residents feeling the heat by mid-morning. By afternoon, outdoor workers and two-wheeler riders faced significant discomfort due to the scorching conditions.
Weather Forecast and Yellow Alert
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi, warning residents to brace for continued heatwave conditions over the next two days. Maximum temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to range between 40°C and 42°C.
The ongoing dry spell can be attributed to a lack of Western Disturbance activity across North India, leaving Delhi with minimal rainfall this season. This has resulted in persistently dry and hot weather conditions.
Historical Context
Delhi’s April heatwaves are rare but not unprecedented:
- In April 2022, Delhi experienced four consecutive days of heatwave conditions from April 8 to April 11.
- The last recorded April heatwave before that was in April 2011.
- Typically, such extreme temperatures are observed later in May or June.
Impact on Daily Life
The rising mercury has disrupted daily routines for many Delhiites:
- Outdoor laborers and two-wheeler riders bore the brunt of the intense heat.
- Residents reported feeling discomfort as early as 11 a.m., with bright sunshine persisting throughout the day.
- The lack of relief from cooler winds or rain has exacerbated the situation.
Precautions for Residents
The IMD advises residents to take precautions during this period:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids.
- Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours (12 p.m.–3 p.m.).
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting cotton clothes.
- Use umbrellas or hats when stepping outdoors.
As Delhi braces for two more days of extreme heat, relief may arrive later this week with possible changes in weather patterns due to Western Disturbances. For now, residents are urged to stay cautious and prioritize their health amidst these challenging conditions.
