Humidity – Delhi Heat Index Nears 50°C Despite Rainfall in Parts
Humidity – Delhi experienced oppressive humidity on Monday, with the heat index climbing to 49.6 degrees Celsius even as rain activity was reported in several areas. The combination of high moisture levels and above-normal daytime temperatures made outdoor conditions feel significantly hotter across the capital.
Temperatures Remain Above Seasonal Levels
The India Meteorological Department said Delhi continued to face sultry weather through the day. While some locations received rain during the previous 24 hours, no fresh rainfall was recorded at most stations during daytime hours on Monday.
Safdarjung, the city’s main weather observatory, recorded a maximum temperature of 38.6 degrees Celsius, which was two degrees above the normal level for this time of year. The minimum temperature was 27 degrees Celsius, around 0.9 degrees below the seasonal average.
Warmest July Conditions Seen in Two Years
Monday matched Sunday as one of the hottest July days recorded in Delhi in the past two years. The maximum temperature at Safdarjung reached 38.6 degrees Celsius, close to the 38.8 degrees Celsius recorded on July 11, 2024.
The continued heat has added to discomfort in the capital, particularly during afternoon hours when high humidity prevented the body from cooling efficiently. Although cloud cover was present in some parts of the city, it did not bring enough rain to provide broad relief.
Lodhi Road Records Highest Departure From Normal
Among Delhi’s major weather stations, Lodhi Road reported the largest departure from normal daytime temperature. The station recorded a maximum of 38.3 degrees Celsius, which was 3.3 degrees above average. Its minimum temperature stood at 27.8 degrees Celsius, about 0.8 degrees above normal.
Palam recorded a maximum temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius, 1.1 degrees above the usual level. The minimum temperature there was 26 degrees Celsius, 2.2 degrees below normal.
At the Ridge observatory, the maximum temperature settled at 38.1 degrees Celsius, nearly two degrees above average. The minimum temperature was recorded at 24 degrees Celsius, which was 2.4 degrees below normal.
Rainfall Recorded Before Morning Observation
Several stations reported rainfall during the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Monday. Safdarjung received 6.4 mm of rain, while Palam recorded 16.4 mm. The Ridge station logged 11.1 mm, followed by Ayanagar with 8.2 mm and Lodhi Road with 1.6 mm.
Ayanagar recorded a daytime high of 37.7 degrees Celsius, 1.1 degrees above normal. Its minimum temperature was 27.4 degrees Celsius, slightly above the seasonal average.
Despite the overnight and early-morning showers, rainfall did not continue through the day in most parts of Delhi. The absence of sustained showers, combined with moisture already present in the air, contributed to the intense humid conditions.
Yellow Alert Issued for Tuesday Rainfall
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi on Tuesday, forecasting cloudy skies and moderate rainfall. The maximum temperature is expected to settle near 36 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may remain around 27 degrees Celsius.
Weather officials had earlier indicated that rain activity across Delhi could strengthen from July 7 and continue until at least July 11. Residents may see intermittent showers, thunderstorms and changing cloud conditions during the coming days, although local variations in rainfall intensity are likely.