New Delhi: The capital is gearing up for an intense heatwave, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting soaring temperatures over the next six days. The mercury is expected to peak at 42 degrees Celsius, making it one of the hottest spells of the season.
Earlier on Friday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 38.4 degrees Celsius, significantly above the normal range, while the minimum settled at 18.8 degrees Celsius. Several areas across the city experienced similar conditions, with Ridge touching 39.4 degrees Celsius, Ayanagar at 38.1 degrees Celsius, Lodhi Road at 38 degrees Celsius, and Palam registering 37 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels fluctuated throughout the day, dropping as low as 18% at some points.
The IMD has warned of strong surface winds on Saturday, accompanied by isolated heatwave conditions. The temperature is expected to hover around 39 degrees Celsius during the day, with a minimum of 19 degrees Celsius at night.
Meanwhile, air quality in the capital remained a concern, with the Central Pollution Control Board reporting an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 219, placing it in the ‘poor’ category. However, forecasts indicate a potential improvement, with air quality likely to shift to the ‘moderate’ category in the coming days.
