Delhi Experiences Record Warm April Night Amid Rising Temperatures Across India
Delhi experienced its warmest April night in three years, reaching 25.6 degrees Celsius. IMD issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions, predicting temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, severe heatwaves affected multiple states across India, with temperatures peaking at 46.4 degrees Celsius in Rajasthan. The overall air quality in Delhi is classified as poor.
Temperatures in Delhi and across India have been rising sharply, marking the arrival of summer and associated heatwaves. On a recent Wednesday, Delhi recorded its warmest April night in three years, with a minimum temperature of 25.6 degrees Celsius, which is 5.6 degrees above the normal average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The IMD indicated that besides Palam, warm night conditions were noted at all five synoptic stations in Delhi. The previous record for highest minimum temperature in April was 26.2 degrees Celsius set in 2022, while 2023 and 2024 did not see April lows exceeding 25 degrees Celsius.
The IMD has predicted a partly cloudy sky and issued a yellow alert for potential heatwave conditions in Delhi, with expected maximum temperatures reaching around 40 degrees Celsius. Concurrently, the overall air quality in Delhi was classified as poor, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 233 at 9 am.
A broader heatwave is affecting northern, central, and western India. On Tuesday, temperatures hit a remarkable 46.4 degrees Celsius in Rajasthan’s Barmer, with 27 stations across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh recording temperatures of 43 degrees Celsius or higher. Of these, 19 stations experienced heatwave to severe heatwave conditions.
According to IMD guidelines, a heatwave occurs when maximum temperatures reach at least 40 degrees Celsius in plains, 37 degrees Celsius in coastal areas, or 30 degrees Celsius in mountainous regions, accompanied by a temperature increase of 4.5 to 6.4 degrees Celsius above normal. A severe heatwave is defined by a temperature inversion of 6.5 degrees Celsius or more above normal or actual maximum temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius.
Delhi has recorded notably high temperatures indicating the onset of summer heatwaves, with particular concern for air quality and extreme weather in several Indian states. The IMD forecasts suggest a continuation of this trend, emphasizing the need for public awareness regarding heat-related advisories.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
