The spell of intense heat across multiple cities in North India, including Delhi-NCR, is steadily worsening. In the national capital, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for severe heatwave conditions over the next three days.
The residents of Delhi-NCR are likely to face scorching temperatures and strong hot winds from May 19 to May 22, as per the latest forecast issued by the weather department.
Notably, Delhi witnessed its hottest day of the season on Monday, when temperature neared 44 degrees Celsius across several areas of the city. The Safdarjung observatory, considered Delhi’s primary weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 43.4 degrees Celsius – the hottest day of the month so far.
The weather department has warned that intense sunlight along with strong surface winds during daytime is likely to aggravate public discomfort. Additionally, residents can expect a steady increase in night-time temperatures, offering little relief from the prevailing heat conditions.
On Tuesday, May 19, the maximum temperature is expected to touch 44 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may remain around 28 degrees Celsius. Further, no major respite from the scorching weather is expected on May 20, when the maximum temperature is forecast to hover around 44 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to settle at 27 degrees Celsius.
Heatwave conditions might continue through the afternoon and evening, while strong hot winds are likely to sweep across the region throughout the day.
A marginal dip in temperature is expected on May 21, however, the impact of the heatwave is likely to continue. On that day, the maximum temperature is expected to remain around 43 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may stay close to 27 degrees Celsius.
In New Delhi, humidity levels are expected to fluctuate between 35 and 50 per cent, increasing the feeling of discomfort for residents.
A slight change in weather patterns is expected to begin from May 23, when the sky is likely to remain predominantly clear, and conditions may improve gradually.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan continued to reel under intense heat, with cities like Pilani and Chittorgarh recording a maximum temperature of 46.2 degrees Celsius each on Monday.
Sri Ganganagar recorded 46.1 degrees Celsius, while it was 46 degrees in Bikaner, 45.6 degrees in Vanasthali and 45.3 degrees in Kota.