Delhi Sizzles At 44.4°C: What Does A 'Red Alert' Mean For The Heatwave?

Delhi recorded the highest temperature of the season on Sunday, with Safdarjung reaching 44.4 degrees Celsius, which is four notches above normal.

The mercury continued to rise in other parts of the city, with Najafgarh recording 47.8 degrees Celsius, Mungeshpur 47.7 degrees, Aya Nagar 46.4 degrees, Pusa 46.5 degrees, Pitampura 47 degrees, and Palam 45.1 degrees.

Photo Credit: PTI

Delhi Weather Alert: What Does A 'Red Alert' Mean For The Heatwave?

Safdarjung's temperature was recorded at 43.6 degrees on Saturday and 42.5 degrees on Friday. A red alert has been issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for the coming days due to the persistent heat wave situation. This alert indicates an extreme heat wave continuing for more than two days and warns of a very high likelihood of developing heat illness and heat stroke in people of all ages.

The heatwave condition is expected to continue until May 23, aggravated by hot winds from the Thar Desert. In a seven-day forecast, extreme care has been urged for vulnerable individuals due to the heatwave. There is a very high likelihood of developing heat-related illnesses and heat strokes in people of all ages, posing a significant health concern for vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases.

"Avoid heat exposure and keep cool. Avoid dehydration," the IMD advised. Suggestions were made by the weather department to drink sufficient water and use ORS or homemade drinks such as lassi, Torani (rice water), lemon water, and buttermilk to stay hydrated.

The threshold for a heatwave is met when the maximum temperature at a weather station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius in the plains, 37 degrees in the coastal areas, and 30 degrees in the hilly regions, with a departure from normal of at least 4.5 notches. A severe heatwave is declared if the departure from normal exceeds 6.4 notches. Delhi's relative humidity oscillated between 57 per cent and 15 per cent during the day.