NEW DELHI: The four-day heatwave streak in Delhi abated on Friday, but the city remained in the grip of intense heat. Although a thundery development is possible on Saturday under the influence of a feeble western disturbance, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that no significant respite is expected, and heatwave conditions are likely in parts of the city until at least May 28.
Temperature Readings
The maximum temperature at Safdarjung, Delhi's base station, was recorded at 43.3 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal. North Delhi's Ridge observatory was the hottest station in the city at 44.4 degrees Celsius. While no station in Delhi met the official heatwave criteria on Friday, Met officials confirmed that heatwave conditions prevailed over the meteorological sub-division of Haryana and Chandigarh, with its impact felt in Delhi.
According to IMD guidelines, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches 45 degrees Celsius or exceeds 40 degrees Celsius with a departure of more than 4.5 notches above normal.
Saturday's Thunderstorm and Outlook
An IMD official said, "Saturday's thundery development in Delhi may cause a dip in temperatures by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. However, the mercury will again rise on Sunday, and hence, no relief from intense heat is expected over the next six days." The Met department has issued an orange alert for heatwave conditions from Saturday to May 28 in parts of the city. The mercury is predicted to hover between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius on Saturday, and between 44 and 46 degrees Celsius from Sunday to May 28.
Minimum Temperature and Warm Night
The minimum temperature on Friday was 29.3 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal, but the city did not meet the 'warm night' criteria. The IMD declares a 'warm night' when the maximum temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and the departure of the minimum is 4.5 notches or more above normal. Delhi experienced its first warm night of the season on Thursday, with the minimum rising to 31.9 degrees Celsius, five notches above normal. This was also the warmest May night since May 27, 2012, when the temperature was 34.2 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature is likely to stay between 27 and 29 degrees Celsius on Saturday and between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius on Monday.
