Delhi recorded its highest maximum temperature of the season at 43.8 degrees Celsius searing under an intense heatwave. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the extreme heat is expected to continue in the coming days.
The IMD has also issued an orange alert for Delhi on June 11, with the maximum temperature for the days expected to settle at 44-45 degrees Celsius. Due to this, the city will continue to experience heat wave conditions.
The met department has forecast hot and humid conditions for June 12, with the maximum temperature expected to dip by four notches as compared to June 11.
The national capital may feel some respite starting June 13, due to the expected light rainfall and thunderstorms in parts of Delhi, along with gusty winds between 40 and 50 kmph, reported Mint.
Season’s Hottest Day
According to IMD, Delhi experienced the season’s hottest day with temperatures reaching 43.8 degrees Celsius on June 10. According to Mint, the temperature on June 10 was 3.6 degrees above the average for this time of the year. The heat index or real-feel temperature touched 47.1 degrees Celsius on June 11, according to the weather department.
The national capital’s ‘real feel’ temperature — factoring in humidity — soared to 49°C by mid-afternoon, reported HT. Humidity ranged from 25% to 70%, ensuring even shaded areas offered little relief.
“With temperatures exceeding 44.9°C in Hisar, Sirsa, Rohtak, and Ayanagar, heatwave conditions were confirmed over the Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi subdivision — the second straight day of such conditions,” IMD scientist Krishna Mishra told HT.
The IMD has also predicted heatwaves in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and western Rajasthan in the coming days. From June 12 onwards, rainfall activity is likely to increase in the southern and north-eastern regions, with isolated heavy showers expected to provide much-needed relief, according to Business Standard.
Meanwhile, poor urban heat retention and lack of ventilation contribute to lingering night-time heat, worsening conditions for residents — especially those in low-income households.
