Heatwave Alert As Temperature Rises To 42°C In Delhi-NCR Amid Poor Air Quality; IMD Issues Yellow Alert

Residents of Delhi should prepare for a hot and uncomfortable week ahead. The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert, warning of possible heatwave conditions in parts of the city.

This comes shortly after Delhi recorded its first heatwave of the season last week.

Rising Temperatures Signal Early Heatwave

The heat is already making its presence felt. On Saturday, the minimum temperature at Safdarjung, Delhi's main weather station, was recorded at 25.2°C-around 2.5 degrees above the normal level.

Other areas also reported a noticeable rise in night temperatures:

• Palam: 26.8°C
• Ayanagar: 25.1°C
• Lodhi Road: 24.0°C

These rising minimum temperatures mean nights are becoming warmer, reducing relief from the daytime heat.

Daytime Heat to Touch 42°C

According to the IMD, maximum temperatures in Delhi are expected to stay between 40°C and 42°C in the coming days. This level of heat can be exhausting, especially during afternoon hours.

Officials have also warned that some parts of the city may experience heatwave conditions, even if not the entire region is affected at once.

Strong Winds to Continue

Along with high temperatures, Delhi will also see strong surface winds blowing at speeds of 15-25 kmph. While these winds are common during the pre-monsoon season, they may offer only limited relief from the heat.

Instead, such dry winds can sometimes make conditions feel even harsher by increasing dehydration.

Air Quality Remains a Concern

The heatwave is not the only issue. Air quality in Delhi continues to remain in the "poor" category.

At 9 AM on Saturday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 243, slightly higher than the previous day's average. According to forecasts, air quality is expected to remain poor over the weekend before improving slightly to a "moderate" level next week due to changing wind patterns.

Health Advisory: Stay Safe in the Heat

With the yellow alert in place, experts are advising residents to take precautions:

• Avoid stepping out between 12 PM and 4 PM
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
• Wear light and breathable clothing
• Use sunscreen and cover your head when outdoors

Children, elderly people, and those with health conditions should be especially careful during this period.

Delhi is entering a challenging phase of early summer, with rising temperatures, heatwave warnings, and poor air quality. As the week unfolds, residents are advised to stay alert, follow safety guidelines, and take necessary steps to protect themselves from extreme weather conditions.