The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): Temperatures in parts of Delhi once again soared past 47 degrees Celsius on Monday, prompting the weather office to issue a ‘red alert’ for the next five days due to severe heatwave conditions in the national capital.
The extreme heat caused the city’s peak power demand to hit a record high for May. In response, the Delhi government ordered schools that had not yet started summer vacations to close immediately. Over the past few days, Delhi has experienced a consistent rise in temperatures, culminating in the summer’s highest temperature of 44.4 degrees Celsius recorded on Sunday. Saturday saw a temperature of 43.6 degrees Celsius, while Friday’s temperature was 42.5 degrees Celsius.
On Monday, Delhi recorded its second-highest maximum temperature, which was 3.7 degrees above normal. Najafgarh reported a high of 47.4 degrees Celsius, following Sunday’s national high of 47.8 degrees Celsius. Other areas also faced severe heat: Mungeshpur at 47.1 degrees, Aya Nagar at 45.7 degrees, Pusa at 46.1 degrees, Pitampura at 46.6 degrees, and Palam at 45.2 degrees.
The intense heat is particularly hard on low-income households, which often lack adequate access to water and cooling. It also poses significant challenges for people who need to be outdoors for work or other activities. In a recent circular, the Directorate of Education in Delhi mandated that all schools observe summer vacation from May 11 to June 30 this year. The directive emphasized that government-aided and unaided recognized private schools still operating must close immediately due to the severe heatwave.
Realtime data from the State Load Dispatch Centre, Delhi, indicated a peak power demand of 7,572 MW at 3:33 pm, marking the highest-ever peak for May and surpassing last year’s peak of 7,438 MW recorded on August 22.
The sweltering heat is also affecting animals. Delhi’s National Zoological Park has increased its animal care measures by providing water coolers, straw shelters, fruit ice balls, wall-hanging thermometers, and water showers to keep the animals cool.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted mainly clear skies with heatwave conditions in many parts of Delhi and severe heatwave conditions in other areas, with strong surface winds of 25-35 km/h expected on Tuesday. In its seven-day forecast, the IMD has urged extreme caution for vulnerable people due to the heatwave, highlighting the high likelihood of heat-related illnesses and heatstroke for people of all ages, particularly infants, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases.
The IMD advised avoiding heat exposure and staying cool and hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using ORS or homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, and buttermilk. According to the IMD, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature 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 exceeds 6.4 degrees.
On Monday, Delhi’s relative humidity ranged between 43% and 23% throughout the day.