Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Delhi witnessed the hottest day of the season on Monday, with temperatures soaring to 40.2°C at Safdarjung, marking a significant departure of 5.1°C above normal. The temperature spike aligns with the Indian Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of an impending heatwave in the capital over the coming days.
According to the IMD, a heatwave is declared in plains when the maximum temperature exceeds 40°C and is at least 4.5°C above the average. Delhi has now entered that threshold.
“Delhi can see heatwave conditions in the next three days. A western disturbance is expected to affect the Himalayan region starting tomorrow night. Its influence will be felt there first, followed by a temperature drop in Punjab and Haryana after three days,” IMD scientist Dr Naresh Kumar told ANI.
Over the past 24 hours, Delhi and the NCR region have seen minimal variation in weather, with maximum temperatures rising slightly and minimum temperatures remaining steady. Maximum temperatures across various parts of the city have hovered between 38°C to 39°C, while the minimum has ranged from 19°C to 23°C.
While minimum temperatures remain close to normal, maximum temperatures are 2°C to 4°C above average in several locations across the region. The IMD continues to monitor the conditions, urging citizens to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak hours.