Delhi Prepares for Intense Heat as Temperatures Set to Soar to 41°C by Mid-April
Residents of Delhi should gear up for significantly hotter days ahead, with the mercury expected to climb to a scorching 41 degrees Celsius by April 17. This forecast marks a sharp contrast to the recent milder weather conditions experienced in the capital.
Recent Weather Patterns and Upcoming Temperature Trends
On Sunday, the maximum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 34.7 degrees Celsius, which is one degree below the normal level and identical to Saturday's reading. Throughout April, the city has generally seen temperatures below average, largely due to rainfall and overcast skies that helped keep the heat in check. However, with the cessation of rain and the return of clear skies starting April 9, temperatures have begun a steady upward trajectory.
Meteorological officials indicate that no active western disturbances are anticipated to affect Delhi in the near future, paving the way for warmer conditions. A gradual increase in maximum temperatures by 4-5 degrees Celsius is projected over the next seven days. Initially, temperatures are expected to remain normal for the next two days, but they will likely rise to above normal or appreciably above normal levels thereafter.
Detailed Temperature Forecast and Historical Context
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has provided specific predictions: Monday's day temperature is likely to range between 36-38 degrees Celsius. By April 15, it may touch 40 degrees Celsius for the first time this year, and further escalation to around 39-41 degrees Celsius is anticipated by April 17.
So far this season, the highest maximum temperature reached 36.8 degrees Celsius on two occasions: April 2 and March 11. The latter half of March was relatively cooler, thanks to consecutive western disturbances that brought light rain and cloudy skies. In comparison, April of last year witnessed an intense heatwave from April 7 to 9, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
Wind Conditions and Minimum Temperature Outlook
Strong winds were observed in parts of Delhi on Sunday, with gusty winds reaching speeds up to 37 kmph over Palam from 4:30 PM for nearly three hours. Surface winds during daytime hours are forecast to persist with speeds up to 30 kmph on Monday, according to officials.
The minimum temperature on Sunday settled at 20.2 degrees Celsius, one degree below normal. It is expected to hover around 19-21 degrees Celsius on Monday, but could rise to 25 degrees Celsius by April 16.
Air Quality Status and Forecast
Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality continues to remain in the moderate category. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 163 on Sunday, up from 123 the previous day. Based on the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, which operates under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, the air quality is likely to stay in the moderate range until April 15. Thereafter, it may fluctuate between moderate and poor levels over the following six days.
