The residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are currently grappling with a severe heatwave as the summer season intensifies. According to the latest updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there is no immediate relief in sight. The weather department has predicted that temperatures in the national capital could cross the 45 degrees Celsius mark during this week. This surge in temperature has prompted the IMD to issue a yellow alert for a heatwave in Delhi and the surrounding NCR areas, starting from Tuesday and lasting for at least four consecutive days.
Record Breaking Temperatures in the Capital
The heat has already reached record levels for the current month. 9 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest day of the month so far. However, specific areas within the city reported even higher figures, while 6 degrees Celsius. 4 degrees Celsius at Safdarjung. The Safdarjung reading was noted to be 3 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average, marking it as the hottest day of the season for that station.
Meteorological Factors and Wind Patterns
The primary cause behind this sudden spike in temperature is the influx of hot and dry winds originating from Rajasthan and Baluchistan. The IMD has stated that these winds will continue to dominate the weather pattern in Delhi, leading to a rapid increase in mercury levels. The wind speeds are expected to range between 20 and 30 kilometers per hour, with occasional gusts reaching 35 to 40 kilometers per hour. 8 degrees Celsius above the normal range. 8 degrees Celsius above normal, the conditions are expected to worsen Notably over the next three to four days.
Severe Heat Across North and Central India
The heatwave isn't limited to the national capital; it's part of a larger weather phenomenon affecting vast parts of North and Central India. The IMD has warned that heatwave conditions will become more dangerous from mid-May through June. In Uttar Pradesh, the situation is particularly dire, with temperatures in several districts crossing 43 degrees Celsius. The district of Banda has emerged as the hottest in the state, with the mercury touching 46 degrees Celsius. Other states such as Haryana, Rajasthan, and Telangana are also witnessing temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius. The continuous flow of hot winds has led to a steady rise in temperatures across these regions, and authorities have advised citizens to take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.