Weather Forecast: IMD issues 'Orange Alert' for Delhi, says mercury may cross 45 degree mark

New Delhi: The severity of the heat and heatwave conditions in Delhi is intensifying. Issuing an 'Orange Alert' for severe heatwave conditions on Sunday, the Meteorological Department has warned that the maximum temperature could reach up to 45 degrees Celsius. Strong, hot winds are expected to cause further discomfort to the public.

Will Heatwave conditions continue on Monday?

Heatwave conditions are likely to persist on Monday as well. However, due to a Western Disturbance, there is a possibility of dust storms and light drizzle on Tuesday and Wednesday. This is expected to bring about a slight drop in temperature and offer some relief from the heat; however, intense heat is projected to return starting in early May.

Bright sunshine prevailed across most parts of Delhi right from Saturday morning. As the day progressed, the sun grew even more scorching. By just after 10:00 AM, the intense glare made it difficult for people to venture out of their homes. The heatwave situation in Delhi has now become even more critical.

At Delhi's benchmark observatory in Safdarjung, the day's maximum temperature was recorded at 42.8 degrees Celsius—5.1 degrees higher than the seasonal average. This marked the hottest day of the current season so far. It is also the highest temperature recorded in Delhi over the last four years; prior to this, the maximum temperature had reached 43.5 degrees Celsius on April 28, 2022.

The Meteorological Department forecasts that the heatwave conditions in Delhi could reach their most severe intensity on Sunday. On Sunday, temperatures in Delhi could soar up to 45 degrees Celsius. The Department has issued an 'Orange Alert' for severe heatwave conditions across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) for Sunday. Heatwave conditions are expected to persist on Monday as well, for which a 'Yellow Alert' has been issued. However, amidst the intense heat, a sudden change in weather—accompanied by thunderstorms and light drizzle—is also anticipated.

Any chances of relief from the heat?

A shift in weather patterns is expected in the national capital, Delhi, starting Tuesday. Under the influence of a Western Disturbance, Tuesday and Wednesday are likely to witness dust storms accompanied by strong winds, along with isolated instances of light drizzle. Consequently, a slight decline in temperatures is expected. Samarjit Chaudhary, a meteorologist at the weather monitoring agency Skymet, stated that this change in weather—triggered by a Western Disturbance—will provide a temporary respite from heatwave conditions. However, a spell of intense heat could resume by the first week of May.