A severe heatwave persists in Delhi and parts of North India, with residents facing high temperatures and dry, scorching winds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts no relief soon, with Saturday anticipated to bring another day of intense heat. Uttar Pradesh’s 32 districts have been issued a severe heat alert.
Over the last 24 hours, Delhi has experienced minimal temperature fluctuations. Minimum temperatures ranged between 23 to 26 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperatures soared to 42–43 degrees Celsius. In various areas of Delhi, temperatures were 1.6 to 3.0 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average, exacerbating the heatwave’s impact.
Certain parts of Delhi saw the season’s first heatwave on Friday, with a yellow alert issued by the IMD. While the Safdarjung weather station did not officially record a heatwave, two other stations did. Safdarjung recorded a maximum temperature of 41.9 degrees Celsius, 4.2 degrees above normal. The minimum temperature was 24.5 degrees Celsius, 1.8 degrees above normal.
A heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature surpasses 40 degrees Celsius and is 4.5 to 6.4 degrees above normal. The Lodhi Road and Ridge stations met these criteria, with maximum temperatures of 41.8 degrees Celsius and 43.1 degrees Celsius, respectively, significantly exceeding seasonal averages.
In Uttar Pradesh, a severe heat alert has been issued due to an ongoing spell of extreme heat. The Meteorological Department expects these conditions to persist, affecting both daytime and nighttime temperatures until April 25. Heatwave warnings have been issued for 32 districts, advising residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses.
