New Delhi experienced its hottest day of the year on Thursday, with the Ridge recording 43 degrees Celsius, the highest maximum temperature of the season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heatwave conditions on Friday and Saturday as temperatures are expected to rise further.
IMD Issues Heatwave Alert
The IMD has issued a heatwave alert across north-west India for the next four to five days, and for central and east India for the next two to three days. The department urged people to stay hydrated and avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak hours.
Temperature Records
On Thursday, Safdarjung recorded its highest maximum temperature so far this season at 41.7 degrees Celsius, four notches above normal. This surpassed the previous high of 40.7 degrees Celsius recorded a day earlier. On April 17, the base station had recorded 41 degrees Celsius, which is now the second highest this season.
The Ridge was the hottest area in the city, followed by Mungeshpur at 42.1 degrees Celsius, Palam at 41.6, and Lodhi Road at 41.4. Although the temperature at the Ridge was 4.6 degrees above normal, the IMD did not declare an isolated heatwave there. For a heatwave to be declared, the maximum temperature must exceed 40 degrees Celsius and the departure from normal must be more than 4.5 degrees.
Minimum Temperature Surge
The minimum temperature on Thursday was 25.4 degrees Celsius, 2.5 notches above normal, compared to 21.6 degrees Celsius a day earlier. The Met department expects the maximum to hover around 42-44 degrees Celsius on Friday and Saturday, leading to heatwave conditions. The minimum temperature is also expected to rise.
Comparison with Last Year
Last April saw three heatwave days in the first half. This year, persistent western disturbances kept temperatures lower in April until now. The IMD stated, "Gradual rise by 1-2°C in maximum temperatures over Delhi during next two days, no large change in subsequent 24 hours and fall by 1-2°C thereafter. Maximum temperatures are likely to be above normal to appreciably above normal during next 5 days."
Air Quality Improves
On Thursday, the air quality improved to moderate, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 176 at 4 pm, compared to 216 (poor) a day earlier.
CAQM Inspections
Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) conducted inspections to assess the contribution of road dust to pollution and the effectiveness of cleaning and sweeping measures. A total of 34 violations of visible road dust were observed on various stretches, including Mahakavi Goswami Tulsidas Marg, Keshopur Road, Najafgarh Road, Vedic Marg, Satguru Ram Singh Marg, Ring Road Punjabi Bagh, Baba Ramdev Marg, Malkaganj Road, Ramlal Kapoor Marg, Shanti Swaroop Tyagi Marg, Azadpur Road, Bhalswa Dairy Road, and Faiz Road. The violations pertained to road dust and accumulation of construction and demolition (C&D) waste at multiple locations. CAQM directed authorities, particularly the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), to strengthen dust control measures, ensure regular mechanized sweeping of roads, effective water sprinkling, prompt removal of C&D waste, and strict enforcement against unauthorized dumping.
