Delhi on Saturday experienced its hottest day of the season, with temperatures soaring to 43.7 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD issued a ‘red alert’, warning of severe heat in various parts of the city over the next two days.
Several areas in Delhi recorded extremely high temperatures, with Mungeshpur reaching 46.8 degrees Celsius, followed by Najafgarh at 46.7 degrees Celsius, Pitampura at 46.2 degrees Celsius, Pusa at 46 degrees Celsius, Aya Nagar at 45.2 degrees Celsius, and Palam at 44.2 degrees Celsius.
The IMD’s seven-day forecast highlighted the potential impact of the heat wave and urged extreme caution for vulnerable individuals. “There is a very high likelihood of developing heat illness and heat stroke in people of all ages, and a health concern for vulnerable individuals such as infants, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases,” the department said. They advised people to “avoid heat exposure and keep cool. Avoid dehydration.”
To stay hydrated, the MeT suggested consuming sufficient water and using ORS or homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, and buttermilk.
The IMD defines a heat wave when the maximum temperature at a weather station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius, with a deviation from the normal of 4.5 degrees or more. A severe heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature is 6.5 degrees above the normal.
On Saturday, the relative humidity ranged between 70 per cent and 18 per cent, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 27.1 degrees Celsius, 0.6 notch above the season’s average. The MeT has predicted that the maximum and minimum temperatures for Sunday are likely to reach 44 and 28 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Several areas in Delhi recorded extremely high temperatures, with Mungeshpur reaching 46.8 degrees Celsius, followed by Najafgarh at 46.7 degrees Celsius, Pitampura at 46.2 degrees Celsius, Pusa at 46 degrees Celsius, Aya Nagar at 45.2 degrees Celsius, and Palam at 44.2 degrees Celsius.
The IMD’s seven-day forecast highlighted the potential impact of the heat wave and urged extreme caution for vulnerable individuals. “There is a very high likelihood of developing heat illness and heat stroke in people of all ages, and a health concern for vulnerable individuals such as infants, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases,” the department said. They advised people to “avoid heat exposure and keep cool. Avoid dehydration.”
To stay hydrated, the MeT suggested consuming sufficient water and using ORS or homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, and buttermilk.
The IMD defines a heat wave when the maximum temperature at a weather station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius, with a deviation from the normal of 4.5 degrees or more. A severe heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature is 6.5 degrees above the normal.
On Saturday, the relative humidity ranged between 70 per cent and 18 per cent, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 27.1 degrees Celsius, 0.6 notch above the season’s average. The MeT has predicted that the maximum and minimum temperatures for Sunday are likely to reach 44 and 28 degrees Celsius, respectively.
