The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that warm night conditions will persist in Delhi on Tuesday and Wednesday, with minimum temperatures expected to range between 40 and 42 degrees Celsius.
Recent Warm Night Records
The national capital recently recorded its second 'warm night' of the season, with the minimum temperature on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday reaching 32.4 degrees Celsius—5.7 degrees above normal. This marked the highest minimum temperature recorded for May in 14 years. The first warm night of the season occurred on May 21, when the temperature reached 31.9 degrees Celsius. Prior to this, the highest minimum temperature for May was recorded on May 27, 2012, at 34.2 degrees Celsius.
Current Temperature Trends
On Monday, the maximum temperature in Delhi was 43.5 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal. The IMD has advised citizens to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols amid the heatwave conditions. A 'warm night' is defined as a situation where the maximum temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature departure is 4.5 degrees Celsius or more above normal. A heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches 45 degrees Celsius or higher.
Heatwave Spells This Season
Delhi has experienced two heatwave spells this season. The first occurred from April 23 to 25, with three consecutive heatwave days. Safdarjung recorded one heatwave day on April 25 when the temperature hit 42.8 degrees Celsius. The second spell lasted four days, from May 18 to 21, but Safdarjung recorded only one heatwave day on May 19, with a temperature of 45.1 degrees Celsius.
Upcoming Weather Changes
The IMD has predicted light to very light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds up to 60 kmph between May 28 and 31. An IMD official stated, 'No large change in maximum temperatures till May 27 and a fall by 7–8 degrees Celsius thereafter.'
Air Quality Impact
An intrusion of dust has worsened Delhi's air quality, creating a haze over the city. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 254 at 4 pm on Monday, up from 204 a day earlier. By 8 pm, the AQI deteriorated further to 281, classified as 'poor'.
