Delhi Heatwave Intensifies as Mercury Soars to 34.4°C
New Delhi witnessed a significant spike in temperatures on Friday, with the maximum temperature reaching 34.4 degrees Celsius, a staggering seven degrees above the normal seasonal average. This reading surpassed the season's previous high of 34.3 degrees Celsius recorded just a day earlier on Thursday.
Forecast Predicts Further Rise to 36°C by Tuesday
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the day temperature is expected to climb even higher, potentially reaching 36 degrees Celsius by Tuesday. IMD data reveals a notable shift in seasonal patterns: while the mercury crossed the 34-degree mark in the second week of March last year, it has already surpassed this threshold in the last week of March 2024.
Met officials attribute this early and intense heat to consistent clear skies and prolonged dry conditions prevailing over the region. These factors have combined to drive the mercury upward, creating unseasonably warm weather.
Detailed Temperature Outlook for the Coming Week
The IMD has provided a detailed forecast for the upcoming days. Maximum temperatures are likely to hover between 33 and 35 degrees Celsius from Saturday to Monday. From Tuesday to Thursday, they may stay in the range of 34 to 36 degrees Celsius.
An IMD official stated, "No large change in maximum temperatures is expected during the next four days, with a slight rise of 1-2 degrees Celsius thereafter. Temperatures are likely to remain markedly above normal, exceeding by 5.1 degrees Celsius or more, over the next seven days."
Night Temperatures Also Above Normal
The heatwave is not confined to daytime hours. Night temperatures are also recording above-normal readings. On Friday, the minimum temperature was 17 degrees Celsius, four degrees above normal. This marked a slight dip from Thursday's minimum of 18.2 degrees Celsius, but still remains significantly higher than typical levels for this time of year.
Air Quality Remains Moderate with Fluctuations Expected
Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality continued to remain in the ‘moderate' category on Friday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 172. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the AQI is likely to deteriorate to the ‘poor' category on Saturday. However, conditions may improve again, turning moderate on Sunday and Monday.
This combination of rising temperatures and fluctuating air quality underscores the challenging environmental conditions facing the capital, with residents advised to take necessary precautions against the heat and monitor air quality updates.
