Delhi experienced its hottest day of the season on Monday, with parts of the city reeling under a heatwave. The temperature soared to 45.5 degrees Celsius at IGNOU and 45.3 degrees Celsius in Ayanagar. Humid conditions made it feel even worse, with the "feels-like" temperature, or heat index, touching 49 degrees Celsius, news agency PTI reported.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the city until June 11, warning people to take precautions and stay safe from the extreme heat. At the base weather station Safdarjung, the maximum temperature was 43.4 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal, according to a report by TOI. The minimum temperature was 27.6 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels ranged between 48 per cent and 25 per cent.
The IMD has predicted that this hot weather will continue at least until June 12. Day temperatures are expected to hover around 44 degrees Celsius, and nights will also be warm with lows around 28 degrees Celsius. Strong surface winds of 20–30 kmph are likely over the next two days, but they may not provide much relief from the heat.
The IMD confirmed that heatwave conditions have spread across the Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi region. Cities like Hisar, Sirsa, Rohtak, and Ayanagar are also recording temperatures close to 45 degrees Celsius. This was the second straight day of heatwave conditions in Delhi and nearby areas.
Delhi is also experiencing warm nights with the temperature remaining high even after sunset. This can make it harder for people to cool down besides increasing the risk of heat-related illness, especially for the elderly, children, and those with health issues, PTI reported.
There could be some relief after June 12, with the IMD forecasting light rain and thunderstorms in parts of Delhi. Winds with speeds between 30 and 40 kmph are also expected. Though the rain might not be heavy, it may help cool down the city for a short period. However, officials said that after the rain, humidity levels may rise again, making the weather feel sticky and uncomfortable.
Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remained poor on Monday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 235 at 4 pm. An AQI between 201 and 300 is classified as 'poor'. For reference, a reading below 100 is considered safe.
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