Delhi faced an intense heatwave on Sunday, with temperatures soaring to a season-high of 44.4 degrees Celsius. Najafgarh was the hottest spot in both the city and the country, hitting 47.8 degrees Celsius.
The heatwave is expected to persist for another week due to hot winds from Rajasthan sweeping through the city.
The Safdarjung observatory, Delhi’s primary weather station, reported a maximum temperature of 44.4 degrees Celsius, which is four degrees above normal. The minimum temperature was recorded at 28.2 degrees Celsius, two degrees above the usual range.
Delhi Najafgarh Faces Heatwave with Temperatures Up to 47.8°C
Delhi is experiencing extremely high temperatures, with the hottest day of the season reaching 44.4 degrees Celsius. The weather department has issued a ‘red alert,’ warning that many parts of the city will face heatwave conditions over the next two days.
At the Safdarjung weather station, the temperature was recorded at 44.4 degrees Celsius. This is significantly higher than the average temperature for this time of year.
In West Delhi, the Najafgarh weather station reported the highest temperature in the city, reaching 47.8 degrees Celsius. Close behind was the Mungeshpur station, which recorded a temperature of 47.7 degrees Celsius.
Residents are advised to take precautions to stay safe during the heatwave, such as staying hydrated and avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours.
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How to Stay Safe in Delhi’s Heatwave?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heatwave conditions in several areas of Delhi and issued a red alert. They expect partly cloudy skies and strong winds blowing at 25 to 35 kmph.
Officials emphasize caution, especially for vulnerable groups like infants, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, as they are at high risk of heat-related illnesses.
To stay safe, it’s essential to avoid prolonged exposure to heat and stay hydrated. Drinking enough water and consuming drinks like lassi, rice water, lemon water, and buttermilk can help prevent dehydration.
A heatwave occurs when temperatures soar to at least 40 degrees Celsius, deviating from the normal by 4.5 degrees or more, according to IMD standards. A severe heatwave is declared when temperatures exceed the normal by 6.5 degrees or more.
Delhi Hotter Than Rajasthan and Gujrat
According to the IMD, Delhi experienced hotter temperatures compared to neighboring cities in Rajasthan, known for its scorching desert heat. Delhi was even hotter than cities like Bikaner, Barmer, Jodhpur, Kota, and Sriganganagar, all reaching temperatures between 44 to 47 degrees Celsius.
Gujarat also saw high temperatures ranging from 33 to 45 degrees Celsius, with Surendranagar being the hottest city at 45.3 degrees Celsius. Agra in Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest temperature at 47.7 degrees Celsius.
The IMD issued a red alert for Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and West Rajasthan, and an orange alert for East Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar due to the intense heatwave conditions.
Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are expected in many areas of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi until May 22, and in parts of West Uttar Pradesh on May 19.
Heatwave conditions are also predicted in some parts of East Uttar Pradesh, pockets of Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha until May 22. Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, and Jharkhand may also experience similar conditions until May 20.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1. How hot did Delhi get during the recent heatwave?
Ans. During the recent heatwave, Delhi Najafgarh experienced temperatures soaring up to 47.8°C, making it one of the hottest days of the season.
Q.2. What precautions should I take during a heatwave in Delhi?
Ans. To stay safe during a heatwave in Delhi, it’s crucial to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, and seek shade whenever possible. Additionally, limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
Q.3. Why is Najafgarh considered the hottest spot in Delhi?
Ans. Najafgarh is considered the hottest spot in Delhi due to various factors such as geographical location, lack of green cover, and urban heat island effect, which contribute to trapping heat and raising temperatures in the area.
Q.4. What is the difference between a heatwave and a severe heatwave?
Ans. A heatwave occurs when temperatures rise to at least 40°C, deviating from the normal by 4.5°C or more. A severe heatwave is declared when temperatures exceed the normal by 6.5°C or more, indicating extremely high temperatures and increased risk of heat-related illnesses.
Q.5. Which areas besides Delhi are experiencing intense heatwave conditions?
Ans. Besides Delhi, areas like Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Jharkhand are experiencing intense heatwave conditions, prompting warnings and alerts from meteorological departments.
