India is grappling with an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 40°C in several states. On Monday, Delhi reached 40.2°C at Safdarjung, the highest recorded temperature of the season, which was 5.1°C higher than normal. Similarly, Palam recorded 39.5°C, surpassing the expected seasonal average. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Delhi on Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures predicted to remain between 40°C and 42°C until Wednesday.
Apart from Delhi, Other Cities Affected Too
The heatwave has affected other cities across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Odisha, where 21 cities recorded temperatures over 42°C. Barmer in Rajasthan hit a new milestone, registering 45.6°C on Sunday, the highest ever recorded in the first week of April. The severe heat has been attributed to reduced wind speeds, with the IMD noting that winds are expected to decrease significantly, exacerbating the already high temperatures.
Heatwave conditions are also expected to persist in various regions, including Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. The IMD has forecast that heatwave conditions will continue through April 7-10, with certain pockets of Gujarat and Rajasthan experiencing severe heat. This weather pattern has triggered significant deviations in the usual seasonal temperatures, with many cities seeing temperature spikes ranging from 3°C to 6.9°C above normal levels.
Delhi Faces Poor Air Quality Amid Ongoing Heatwaves
Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remains in the ‘poor’ category, adding to the discomfort caused by the scorching heat. As temperatures rise, public health officials are urging citizens to take precautions, stay hydrated, and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours. The ongoing heatwave is expected to affect daily life and further strain resources in the coming days.