Delhi is expected to face a continued heatwave on Sunday (May 24) as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an 'orange alert' for the national
capital. The temperatures are expected to reach as high as 44 degrees Celsius. However, temperatures are expected to drop after May 29 (Friday), with IMD predicting mercury to fall to 27 degrees Celsius. But the ongoing heatwave signifies that residents should prepare for extreme weather. According to the met department, the maximum temperature is likely to touch 44 degrees Celsius, while the minimum can drop to 28 degrees Celsius at night. Delhi has been on a yellow or orange alert for several days now as the weather remains hot. The IMD's latest bulletin highlights that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions will prevail across various regions in northwest, central, and eastern India. Such conditions are attributed to dry northwesterly winds originating from the Thar Desert, which trap heat near the surface, exacerbating extreme temperatures in Delhi.
When Is Heatwave Expected To Ease?
According to the weather department's prediction, Delhi is likely to see the weather cooling down on May 29. The IMD has not issued any alert for Friday, with maximum temperature expected to reach 42 degrees Celsius, and minimum dropping to 28 degrees Celsius.
Further, the IMD has predicted "strong surface winds" during the afternoon and evening hours.
Delhi Recorded 41 Degrees Celsius on Saturday
According to the IMD, the maximum temperature recorded at Safdarjung, the city's primary weather monitoring station, reached 41.1 degrees Celsius, while the minimum settled at 28.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday.
This minimum temperature is notably 1.7 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average, indicating an increasing trend of discomfort among residents. The IMD forecasts that from May 24, temperatures will likely climb further, with highs anticipated between 41 degrees Celsius and 44 degrees Celsius over the coming week.
Is Rain Expected This Month?
Despite the intense heat, there is a possibility of isolated thunderstorms and rainfall in the coming days, which may provide a brief respite from the sweltering conditions.
However, the forecast suggests that heatwave conditions will continue, with strong surface winds expected during the afternoons and evenings.
Delhi Air Quality
The ongoing heatwave is also impacting Delhi's air quality, which has deteriorated due to dust-laden winds and dry conditions. The Air Quality Index (AQI) recently recorded a 'poor' category level, which prompted CAQM to invoke GRAP-1 restrictions in the city.
The health officials have further advised residents to remain cautious and limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
