Delhi Weather Update: IMD Issues Yellow Alert For Heatwave, Temperatures To Reach 40–42 Degree Celsius Likely This Weekend

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for a heatwave in the National Capital on Friday and Saturday. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 39.6 degree celsius, a slight drop of 0.3 degree celsius from the previous day on Wednesday, yet still two degrees above the seasonal average. Officials forecast that temperatures will rise further, reaching between 40 degree celsius and 42 degree celsius on Friday and Saturday.

“A gradual rise in temperature is expected in the plains. Westerly winds are expected and we will see clear skies, with the maximum possibly touching 42-43 degree celsius by Saturday,” an IMD official said.

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The IMD defines a heatwave as a condition where the maximum temperature exceeds 40 degree celsius, with a deviation of at least 4.5 degree celsius above normal. In the plains, any temperature above 45 degree celsius also qualifies as a heatwave. A “severe heatwave” is declared when the maximum temperature crosses 40 degree celsius and is 6.5 degree celsius or more above the normal.

Delhi’s air quality continued to remain in the “poor” category for a third consecutive day. The average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 224, classified as “poor” on Wednesday, according to the Central Pollution Board’s (CPBC) daily bulletin. The Centre’s Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi has forecast similar “poor” conditions for Thursday and Friday, with a likely improvement to the “moderate” category over the weekend.

Nights in the Capital are expected to get warmer over the coming days. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 19.7 degree celsius, three degrees below normal and slightly lower than Tuesday’s 20.9 degree celsius today. According to forecasts, the minimum temperature is likely to rise to 20-22 degree celsius on Thursday, 22-24 degree celsius on Friday, and 23-25 degree celsius on Saturday.

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Delhi recorded its highest maximum temperature of the season on April 21, reaching 41.3 degree celsius. In comparison, last year’s April peak was 40.5 degree celsius on April 27. In 2023, the highest was 40.6 degree celsius on April 18, while in 2022, the temperature soared to 43.5 degree celsius on April 29 and 30. The all-time highest temperature recorded in April remains 45.6 degree celsius, set on April 29, 1941.