The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): Delhi experienced extreme heat on Tuesday, with temperatures in some areas nearing 50 degrees Celsius. The scorching heat left residents struggling to find relief, as hot winds from Rajasthan exacerbated the already high temperatures.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that heatwave conditions are expected to persist in Delhi for the next few days. The Safdarjung observatory, Delhi’s official weather marker, recorded a high of 45.8 degrees Celsius, which is five degrees above the seasonal average. However, temperatures soared even higher on the outskirts, with Mungeshpur and Narela reaching 49.9 degrees Celsius, Najafgarh at 49.8 degrees, and Pitampura and Pusa at 48.5 degrees.
Mahesh Palawat, vice president of Meteorology and Climate Change at Skymet Weather, explained that open areas with vacant land experience increased radiation, leading to higher temperatures. “When wind blows from the west, it affects these areas first. As they are on the outskirts, temperatures rise rapidly,” he said.
Kuldeep Srivastava, regional head of IMD, noted that parts of Delhi are particularly vulnerable to the early arrival of hot winds from Rajasthan. “Areas like Mungeshpur, Narela, and Najafgarh are the first to experience the full force of these hot winds,” he explained.
The IMD has issued a red alert for Delhi for the next two days due to the ongoing heatwave conditions. The department predicts clear skies with heatwave conditions in many parts of Delhi and severe heatwave conditions in other areas, accompanied by strong and gusty winds on Wednesday.
A heatwave is defined when the maximum temperature of a weather station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius in the plains, 37 degrees in coastal areas, and 30 degrees in hilly regions, with a departure from normal of at least 4.5 degrees. A severe heatwave is declared if the departure from normal exceeds 6.4 degrees.
The IMD has advised extreme care for vulnerable individuals, warning of a high likelihood of heat-related illnesses and heat strokes. The department recommends avoiding exposure to heat and dehydration, drinking sufficient water, and using ORS or homemade drinks like lassi, ‘torani’ (rice water), lemon water, and buttermilk to stay hydrated.
Dr. Ritu Saxena from LNJP Hospital reported a spike in heat-related patient admissions. “We have seen a high number of patients affected by the heat this week. Yesterday alone, we received nearly 10 patients who were affected by heat stroke,” she said. Symptoms like fever, headache, vomiting, and unconsciousness are common among those affected. Dr. Saxena advised people to avoid stepping out during peak hours.
Delhi’s relative humidity on Tuesday fluctuated between 43 percent and 17 percent, adding to the discomfort.