New Delhi: On the precipice of another punishing heatwave spell, most parts in the national capital is expected to witness a jump of two to three degrees Celsius in the maximum temperature in the days to come. 


According to the latest prediction by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), mercury at Safdarjung Observatory - Delhi's base station - is expected to breach the 43-degree mark on Thursday and is even likely to reach 44 degrees Celsius by Friday.






Furthermore, a Met department official told news agency PTI that maximum temperature may even leap to 46 degrees Celsius in parts of Delhi in the days to come. So far, capital had recorded a maximum temperature of 43.2 degrees Celsius on April 21, 2017.


Delhi that falls under the Core Heatwave Zone (CHZ), recorded a maximum temperature of 41.5 degrees Celsius on Wednesday as against 40.8 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Areas such as Pitampura reeled under a searing heatwave by recording 43.6 degrees Celsius and 44.1 degrees Celsius, respectively.


The weather stations at Najafgarh, Ridge, and Sports Complex recorded their maximum temperature at 43.7 degrees Celsius, 43.6 degrees Celsius, and 44.2 degrees Celsius, respectively.


Yellow Alert In Delhi Starting April 28


Even a yellow alert warning has been issued for a heatwave spell in the national capital starting tomorrow.


The IMD uses four colour codes for weather warnings - green (no action needed), yellow (watch and stay updated), orange (be prepared) and red (take action).


The city has recorded eight heatwave days in April this year, the maximum for the month since 2010 when 11 such days were recorded. As per IMD guidelines, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is over 40 degrees Celsius and at least 4.5 notches above normal.


A severe heatwave is declared if the departure from normal temperature is more than 6.4 notches.


Some Respite On Friday & Sunday


In a temporary respite, Delhi may witness a partly cloudy sky, light rain, and a dust storm with winds gusting up to 50 kmph on Friday and Sunday.


Even last week, the city got some respite last week owing to cloudy weather due to the influence of a western disturbance over Afghanistan.


IMD Issues Warning For Delhittes


The ongoing heat spell could even lead to 'moderate' health concerns for vulnerable people, including infants, the elderly, people with chronic diseases. Therefore, the weather department has advised people to avoid heat exposure, wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, cotton clothes and cover the head by use of cloth, hat or umbrella etc.


(With inputs from PTI.)