Delhi weather update: IMD predicts ‘heatwave’ conditions in the national capital

The Meteorological Department said that the minimum temperature in Delhi this morning was recorded at 19.9 degrees Celsius, which is normal for this season. The relative humidity was recorded at 48 per cent at 8.30 am.

IMD data showed that barring two, all automatic weather stations in the city recorded the maximum temperature above 42 degrees Celsius on Friday.

Maximum Temperature Temperatures were at least seven degrees above normal at most places in Delhi.

IMD uses four color codes for weather warnings – green (no action required), yellow (watch and stay updated), orange (be prepared) and red (take action).

In the plains, a ‘heatwave’ is declared when the maximum temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and is at least 4.5 degrees above normal.

According to the IMD, if the departure from normal temperature is more than 6.4 degrees, a ‘severe heat wave’ is declared.

The Meteorological Department said that Northwest India and adjoining parts of Central India are predicted to see more intense and persistent heatwave conditions in April. “Intense heatwave conditions will be more in April as compared to March. We expect heatwave conditions to continue till April 15 in some parts,” an official said.

In the plains, a ‘heatwave’ is declared when the maximum temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and is at least 4.5 degrees above normal. According to the IMD, if the departure from normal temperature is more than 6.4 degrees, a ‘severe heat wave’ is declared.

India recorded its hottest March in 122 years, with sweltering heat lashing large swathes of the country during the month.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed that the air quality in Delhi remained in the ‘poor’ category as the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 260 at 8 am.

AQI between zero and 50 is ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’ and 401 and 500 ‘very poor’. considered ‘serious’.