Delhi Records Season’s First Heatwave At 40.2°C Amid Yellow Alert; Himachal Sees 6°C Spike Above Normal

The IMD data confirmed that the maximum temperature of Delhi typically remains 40 degrees Celsius in the second half of April.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) extended the yellow alert in Delhi for the next two days after the nation's capital recorded its first heatwave of the season on Monday with the maximum temperature touching 40.2 degrees Celsius.

According to IMD, other weather stations, including Ridge and Ayanagar, also recorded maximum temperatures exceeding 40 degrees, with both touching 41 degrees Celsius. In addition, Palam and Lodhi Road stations also marked a high of around 39 degrees.

As per the IMD’s colour-coded warning system, a yellow alert means “Be Aware.” It advises people to avoid prolonged exposure to heat, wear light-coloured, breathable cotton clothing, and protect their heads with a cloth, hat or umbrella.

"Three stations -- Safdarjung, Ridge and Ayanagar -- met the heatwave criteria today, marking the first day of heatwave conditions this season. These conditions are likely to continue until April 9. From April 10 onwards, a drop in temperature is expected over Northwest India, including Delhi," the IMD said in a statement, according to PTI.

The IMD data confirmed that the maximum temperature of Delhi typically remains 40 degrees Celsius in the second half of April. However, the 40-degree records have been crossed in the first half of the month of this year, similar to 2022.

In 2022, the city experienced its first heatwave on April 8, with temperatures hitting 41.6°C. On the other hand, 2023 and 2024 did not witness heatwave conditions in April, though the 40°C mark was reached on April 15 and April 26, respectively, as per IMD.

Mahesh Palawat of private weather agency Skymet said that a western disturbance is expected to affect North India after April 10, likely leading to cloud cover and a drop in temperatures. Humidity levels in Delhi on Monday ranged between 25 and 45 per cent during the day, the IMD added.

For Tuesday, the forecast predicts clear skies and ongoing heatwave conditions, with the maximum temperature expected to reach 41°C and the minimum to settle around 22°C.

Heatwave Alert In Lower Parts Of Himachal Pradesh, Rains Likely From April 9

Meanwhile, Shimla Meteorological Centre has also issued a heatwave warning for the lower regions of Himachal Pradesh for the next 24 hours, after temperatures across the state continue to rise from 3 to 6 degrees Celsius more than normal.

Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist at IMD Himachal Pradesh, told news agency ANI that a yellow alert for a heatwave has been issued for certain areas of Kullu, Solan, Mandi, and Kangra districts."During the past 24 hours, the weather remained clear across the state. Temperatures were recorded 3 to 6 degrees above the seasonal average. Heatwave-like conditions were reported from parts of Kullu, Mandi, and Kangra districts," he stated.

The temperature in Bhuntar marked 32.8°C, which is seven degrees higher than normal. Sundernagar also recorded with unusually high temperatures. "The forecast indicates that the weather will remain clear in the state today and tomorrow, i.e., till April 8. One or two places in Kangra, Solan, Mandi, and Kullu may continue to witness heatwave conditions," Sharma added.

Given the prevailing weather conditions, the IMD has issued a Yellow Alert for heatwave conditions in certain lower hill regions. However, some respite is expected as a Western Disturbance is likely to affect Himachal Pradesh starting April 9. "A Western Disturbance is likely to approach the state from April 9. There is a possibility of light rainfall at isolated places in districts like Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Lahaul-Spiti," Sharma further added.

Rainfall activity is anticipated to intensify and cover a wider area on April 10 and 11, especially across the middle hill districts.