Delhi experienced a blistering heatwave on Sunday, with temperatures soaring to a season-high of 44.4 degrees Celsius. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the national capital will face no relief from the intense heat over the coming week as hot winds from Rajasthan continue to sweep through the region.
The Safdarjung observatory, Delhi's primary weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 44.4 degrees Celsius, which is four degrees above the seasonal norm. The minimum temperature was also elevated, registering at 28.2 degrees Celsius, two degrees above average.
Several areas in Delhi experienced even higher temperatures, ranging from 45 to 47 degrees Celsius. Najafgarh emerged as the hottest area in the city, with the mercury hitting 47.8 degrees Celsius. Mungeshpur and Pitampura followed closely, recording 47.7 degrees Celsius and 47 degrees Celsius, respectively. Ayanagar, Palam, and Ridge also sweltered, with maximum temperatures reaching 46.4 degrees Celsius, 45.1 degrees Celsius, and 45.9 degrees Celsius, respectively.
The IMD has issued warnings of heatwave to severe heatwave conditions across multiple regions, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh-Delhi, and Rajasthan. Additionally, parts of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Kutch are expected to experience heatwave conditions on May 23, 2024.
Highlighting the impact of the heatwave in its seven-day forecast, the IMD urged residents to take extreme care, especially vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. They emphasized the high likelihood of heat-related illnesses and heat strokes for people of all ages.
"To avoid heat exposure and stay cool, prevent dehydration," the IMD advised. They recommended drinking sufficient water and using ORS or homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, and buttermilk to stay hydrated.
