Heatwave in Delhi: Temperatures to Rise Again After Brief Break

Expect Higher Temperatures from April 16

After a brief respite from heatwave conditions due to rain and storms in the past two days, Delhi is likely to see a rise in temperatures from April 16. This is because the influence of a western disturbance is weakening.

Heatwave in Delhi from April 7 to 9

• Delhi experienced a heatwave for three consecutive days from April 7 to 9.
• Temperatures at Safdarjung, the city’s base station, remained above 40 degrees Celsius.
• Some parts of the city were still under heatwave conditions on April 10.
• Residents had to endure warm nights for two consecutive days.

Relief from Heatwave Conditions

Relief arrived on Thursday evening with rain and strong winds, followed by a severe thunderstorm on Friday evening that kept temperatures in check on Saturday. The maximum temperature on Saturday was recorded at 35.2 degrees Celsius, which is one degree below normal, while the minimum temperature was 19 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal.

Temperatures Expected to Rise from April 16

“As the impact of the western disturbance is over, both day and night temperatures are likely to show a slight increase from Sunday. However, heatwave conditions are expected in the city from April 16 to 18,” said a Met official.

• Sunday’s maximum temperature is expected to be between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius.
• It may increase to around 40-42 degrees Celsius by April 16.
• IMD predicts ‘no significant change in maximum temperatures over the next two days and a gradual rise by 3-5 degrees Celsius thereafter.’

IMD’s Definition of Heatwave

IMD defines a heatwave day when the maximum temperature is 4.5 degrees or more above normal and at least 40 degrees Celsius, or when it reaches 45 degrees Celsius or above. A ‘severe’ heatwave is declared when the maximum is 6.5 degrees or more above normal.

Delhi’s Air Quality Remains in ‘Moderate’ Category

Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remains in the ‘moderate’ category with an AQI of 164. Although it is expected to stay ‘moderate’ on Sunday, the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi predicts it may deteriorate to the ‘poor’ category on Monday and Tuesday.