Heatwave – Delhi Braces for More Extreme Temperatures Under Orange Alert
Heatwave –Delhi continued to reel under intense heat on Wednesday as temperatures remained close to the 45-degree Celsius mark for the second day in a row. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued an orange alert, warning residents of severe heat conditions likely to continue over the next few days.
Temperatures Stay Well Above Seasonal Average
According to IMD data, several parts of the city reported temperatures significantly higher than normal levels for this time of year. Safdarjung, considered Delhi’s primary weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 44.5 degrees Celsius. Although slightly lower than Tuesday’s reading, it still remained more than four degrees above the seasonal average.
Palam also witnessed harsh daytime heat, with the mercury climbing to 44.9 degrees Celsius. Weather officials noted that temperatures at the station were still considerably above normal despite a marginal dip over the previous 24 hours.
Ridge Area Records Highest Temperature in the City
Among all monitoring stations, the Ridge area emerged as the hottest location in Delhi on Wednesday. The station registered a scorching 45.8 degrees Celsius, maintaining intense heatwave conditions across the region.
Lodhi Road reported a maximum temperature of 44.6 degrees Celsius, while Ayanagar touched the 45-degree mark. Both locations remained well above the average temperature typically observed during this period.
Meteorologists explained that heatwave conditions are officially declared when temperatures rise above 40 degrees Celsius and stay between 4.5 and 6.4 degrees higher than normal levels.
Nights Also Remain Uncomfortably Warm
The city did not receive much relief after sunset, as minimum temperatures also remained elevated across Delhi. Safdarjung recorded a nighttime temperature of 28.3 degrees Celsius, slightly higher than the previous day and nearly two degrees above normal.
Palam registered a minimum temperature of 28.5 degrees Celsius, while Lodhi Road and Ayanagar reported overnight temperatures of 26.8 and 27 degrees Celsius respectively. The warmer nights have added to discomfort levels for residents already struggling with intense daytime heat.
IMD Issues Orange Alert for Thursday
The India Meteorological Department has warned that weather conditions may worsen further on Thursday. Under the orange alert, authorities have advised people to remain cautious, avoid direct sun exposure during peak afternoon hours, and stay hydrated.
The IMD forecast suggests that Delhi’s maximum temperature could reach 46 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to hover around 28 degrees Celsius.
Health experts often caution that prolonged exposure to extreme heat can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, particularly among children, elderly citizens, and outdoor workers.
Residents Advised to Take Precautions
With dry winds and high temperatures continuing across the capital, residents have been urged to limit unnecessary outdoor activities during the daytime. Authorities also recommend wearing light clothing, drinking sufficient water, and avoiding strenuous physical work under direct sunlight.
The ongoing weather pattern reflects the broader rise in extreme summer conditions being experienced across several northern Indian states this season. Officials are closely monitoring the situation as Delhi remains under heatwave influence for another day