Heatwave-like conditions persist across Delhi as humidity soars

New Delhi, June 28 (IANS) Delhi is set to witness mostly sunny skies and intense heat on Sunday, with the maximum temperature expected to reach 41 degrees Celsius.

According to the IMD’s forecast, the maximum temperature is expected to remain between 39 – 41 degrees Celsius on Sunday before dropping to 35 –37 degrees Celsius by Wednesday. The minimum temperature is likely to hover between 28-30 degrees Celsius.

However, high humidity levels are likely to make conditions feel far more oppressive, pushing the heat index, or “feels like” temperature, to around 48 degrees Celsius during the peak afternoon hours.

The combination of high temperatures and humidity is expected to create uncomfortable conditions across the national capital, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly during the afternoon.

The forecast comes after Delhi experienced another sweltering day on Saturday, when the actual maximum temperature settled at 41.3 degrees Celsius , but the heat index climbed to a scorching 48.4 degrees Celsius, making outdoor conditions significantly harsher than the recorded temperature suggested.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Safdarjung, the city’s base weather station, recorded a minimum temperature of 30.8 degrees Celsius , which was 2.9 degrees Celsius above normal and 2.1 degrees Celsius higher than the previous day. The maximum temperature of 41.3 degrees Celsius was 4.1 degrees Celsius above normal, although marginally 0.2 degrees Celsius lower than Friday’s reading.

Other weather stations across Delhi also reported elevated minimum temperatures. Palam recorded a minimum temperature of 28.4 degrees Celsius , up 0.9 degree Celsius from the previous day, while Lodhi Road registered an increase of 2.4 degrees Celsius.

The IMD said trace rainfall was recorded in isolated parts of Delhi during the early hours of Saturday, but no significant rainfall occurred during the rest of the day.

Weather conditions are expected to remain hot on Sunday, although the IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies with the possibility of thunderstorm development during the afternoon or evening. Strong surface winds of 20–30 kmph, with gusts reaching 40 kmph, are also expected during the day.

Looking ahead, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for Tuesday and Wednesday, forecasting rain and thunderstorms across the capital.

“There is a possibility of very light to light rain in the coming days, with weather conditions intensifying on Tuesday and Wednesday, when a yellow alert has been issued,” an IMD official said.

According to the IMD, partly cloudy skies are expected on Sunday, with the possibility of light thunderstorm during the afternoon or evening. Strong surface winds of 20–30 kmph, gusting up to 40 kmph, are also likely during the day.

–IANS

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