Heatwave News: Mercury In Delhi To Go Down With Fresh Rains By Monday, IMD Scientist Says

Indian Meteorological Department scientist Dr Soma Sen Roy said today that the temperature in the national capital is expected to fall because of western disturbances from April 17.

Heatwave is likely to continue in New Delhi, Agra, and Meerut till Saturday. Indian Meteorological Department scientist Dr Soma Sen Roy said today that the temperature in the national capital is expected to fall because of western disturbances from April 17. She said there are some chances of a fresh spell of thunderstorms and rain on April 18 and 19 in the northwest plains regions. Roy further said parts of central India such as Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidharba, and north Karnataka could also witness thunderstorms.

In a tweet shared by news agency ANI, Roy said, “The temperature in Delhi is expected to decrease due to Western disturbances. There is a chance of a fresh spell of thunderstorms and rain on the 18th and 19th of April in areas in the northwest plains including Delhi.”

Earlier this week, the IMD predicted increasing temperatures and heatwaves in some parts of New Delhi on Saturday. It said the maximum temperature could touch 41 degrees Celsius on Saturday, reported The Indian Express.

On Friday, over 39.4 degrees Celsius was recorded at the Safdarjung weather station. And the maximum temperature was reportedly three times more than the normal temperature that is generally recorded during this time of the year.

According to The Indian Express report, CWG Sports Complex around Akshardham recorded 41.9 degrees Celsius on Friday. This was the highest maximum temperature followed by 41.4 degrees at Pitampura and 40.8 degrees at Najafgarh and the Ridge area.

Safarjung recorded the normal maximum temperature for a long period of time at 36.1 degrees Celsius on April 14 and 15. The IMD has already issued a “yellow” alert amid the heatwave.

According to IMD, a heatwave is a condition when the air temperature could be proven to be “fatal to the human body when exposed”.

Amid the rising temperatures and the heatwave forecast in the National Capital, the Delhi Government issued guidelines for schools, cautioning them to prepare for the upcoming heat. In its circular released on Wednesday, April 13, the Delhi Government directed schools recognised under the Directorate of Education to ensure that there is no student assembly organized in the afternoon shift. 

"As the daytime temperature in Delhi crosses more than 40 degrees Celsius during the summer season this is detrimental to the health of the children and adolescents studying in schools. The rise in temperature in NCR has led to the increased instance of heat-related illness," the Delhi government circular stated.