Delhi is heading into another brutal heat spell. The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for the capital, forecasting temperatures between 44 and 46 degrees Celsius over the next three days.
The mercury could rise by a further 1 to 2 degrees within the next 24 hours, the IMD said. Conditions are expected to stay severe until May 27.
Maximum temperatures will remain elevated through May 27. Minimum temperatures will also rise by 2 to 3 degrees before easing toward the end of the month.
Significant relief — a drop of 6 to 8 degrees — is expected only after May 27.
Humidity stood at 37 per cent on Sunday morning, adding to the discomfort. The IMD forecast a possibility of light rain in some parts of the city by Sunday evening.
Between May 28 and May 30, light showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected to bring temperatures down across the region.
The heatwave extends well beyond the capital. The IMD has forecast severe heatwave conditions in isolated areas of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi between May 25 and 27, with warnings likely to continue through May 28.
Red alerts are in force for parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Orange alerts cover Telangana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Karnataka.
Air Quality Worsens
Delhi’s air quality remained in the poor category on Sunday. Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 293, followed by Narela at 246, Sonia Vihar at 231 and Ashok Vihar at 229. IIT Delhi recorded 217 and R K Puram 212.
The combination of extreme heat and poor air quality raises the health risk for vulnerable residents — the elderly, children and those with respiratory conditions.
The IMD’s yellow alert urges residents to stay cautious and take preventive measures against heat-related illness. Stay indoors during peak afternoon hours, drink fluids regularly and avoid direct sun exposure until conditions improve after May 27.
IANS
Support Us To Sustain Independent Environmental Journalism In India.
Keep Reading
How Solar Solutions Are Helping Protect Crops from Wild Animals
Pench Tiger Reserve: How a Man Survived a Tiger Attack
