Delhi Swelters as Temperatures Soar to 40.3°C, IMD Predicts Further Increase
New Delhi witnessed its hottest day of the season on Thursday, with the maximum temperature climbing to 40.3 degrees Celsius, which is four degrees above the normal range for this time of year. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that this scorching trend is set to continue, with forecasts predicting a further rise in temperatures.
Record-Breaking Heat and Historical Context
This marks the first instance this year that Safdarjung, Delhi's primary weather station, recorded temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Previously, the highest temperature for 2024 was 39.1 degrees Celsius, observed just a day earlier on Wednesday. Historically, Delhi has experienced even more intense heat in April, with last year's peak at 42.1°C on April 26 and an all-time April record of 45.6°C set back in 1941.
According to IMD definitions, a heat wave is officially declared when the maximum temperature surpasses 40 degrees Celsius and is at least 4.5 degrees above the seasonal average. While no heat wave has been forecast for the upcoming week, the persistent high temperatures are raising concerns.
Detailed Temperature Forecast and Weather Patterns
The IMD has provided a detailed outlook for the coming days. They anticipate a gradual increase in maximum temperatures by 1-2 degrees Celsius over the next 24 hours, with no significant change expected for the following three days, followed by a slight decrease of 1-2 degrees thereafter. Over the next seven days, maximum temperatures are likely to remain above normal to appreciably above normal.
In contrast, minimum temperatures have stayed below normal so far, partly due to cloudy skies that are forecast to persist until Sunday. However, weather experts predict a rise in night temperatures as well, which could exacerbate thermal distress for residents. The IMD expects a gradual increase in minimum temperatures by 2-3 degrees in the next 24 hours, followed by a drop of 2 degrees in the subsequent 24 hours, and then stability.
For Friday, specific forecasts place the maximum temperature between 40-42 degrees Celsius and the minimum between 22-24 degrees Celsius. Additionally, scattered thunderstorms and rain are predicted in parts of the subdivision encompassing Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi, though temperatures in the capital are still expected to rise.
Air Quality Deteriorates, Prompting Regulatory Action
Alongside the heat, Delhi's air quality has deteriorated, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recording 226 on Thursday, up from 204 on Wednesday. This poor air quality has led the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement preventive measures under GRAP Stage-I.
GRAP Stage-I is a non-restrictive action plan activated when the AQI enters the poor category, aimed at preventing further degradation. The CAQM sub-committee has invoked a 31-point action plan across the entire National Capital Region (NCR), mandating agencies to implement, monitor, and review measures to stabilize air quality.
Key actions under GRAP Stage-I include increased mechanized sweeping of roads, enhanced frequency of public transport services, and strict vigilance on construction and demolition activities as well as industrial emissions. Forecasts suggest air quality will range between moderate and poor over the next seven days, with a temporary improvement to moderate expected on Friday and Saturday.
As Delhi braces for more intense heat and ongoing air quality challenges, residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy during this period of elevated temperatures and pollution levels.
