Delhi weather update: There was no relief from the searing heat in Delhi today (June 15) as the maximum temperature settled six notches above the season's average at 44.6 degrees Celsius, officials said.
Of its several weather stations, Aya Nagar recorded 46 degrees Celsius while Palam recorded 45 degrees Celsius, they said. Similar weather is likely on Sunday with mainly clear skies and heatwave conditions in several parts of Delhi.
The capital will be on orange alert for the next three days, which stands for 'Be prepared' in the India Meteorological Department colour codes. The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 45 and 32 degrees Celsius.
IMD temperature update
The national capital today recorded a minimum temperature of 32.4 degree Celsius, four notches above the season's average, according to the India Meteorological Department. The weather department has predicted mainly clear sky and heat wave conditions with strong surface winds during the day.
The humidity was 38 per cent at 8.30 am. The maximum temperature is likely to settle around 44 degrees Celsius, it stated. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital was recorded in the "moderate" category with a reading of 185 at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".
Gurugram traffic police equip personnel with 'AC jackets' to combat heat wave
In an innovative effort to tackle heat waves, Gurugram traffic police have equipped their officers with air-conditioned jackets. These battery-powered jackets feature fans and ice pads, aimed at providing relief to personnel exposed to scorching heat.
The initiative is currently in a trial phase. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Sukhbir Singh said, "Cooling jackets have been provided as samples considering the ongoing heatwave."
Despite the built-in fans working for four to five hours and being rechargeable via readily available charging points, the overall effectiveness of the jackets is still under scrutiny due to these logistical issues. The jackets, designed to keep the upper body cool, received mixed reviews during testing. Some officers found them very comfortable and noted improved performance in their duties. However, challenges surfaced.
"These jackets are heavy. The ice pads melt quickly, lasting only about two hours before needing to be refrozen, which is impractical as freezers aren't accessible on the roads. Moreover, cooling limited to the upper body may cause temperature imbalances and potential health issues," Manfool Singh, a Traffic Police Zonal Officer pointed out.
As Gurugram grapples with ongoing extreme heat, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert, the city's traffic police are evaluating the effectiveness of these measures to combat the heat.
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