Delhi records hottest May night in 14 years amid severe heatwave

Parts of Delhi recorded the season’s first “warm night” as temperatures remained unusually high overnight, with the city witnessing its warmest May night in 14 years amid an ongoing heatwave.

Safdarjung, considered Delhi’s base weather station, recorded a minimum temperature of 31.9 degree Celsius, which was five degrees above normal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said intense heat conditions are likely to continue, with isolated severe heatwave conditions expected on Thursday, per a report by Hindustan Times.

The maximum temperature in the city is likely to remain between 45 degree Celsius and 47 degree Celsius, per HT.

Also Read | Dengue spreading beyond monsoon months, experts raise concern

IMD issues orange alert

The IMD has issued an orange alert for heatwave conditions in Delhi till at least May 27. “Some parts of Delhi recorded warm night conditions on Thursday,” an IMD official was quoted as saying by HT.

According to IMD definitions, a “warm night” occurs when the maximum temperature crosses 40 degree Celsius in the plains and the minimum temperature remains 4.5 degrees or more above normal.

A “heatwave” is declared when the maximum temperature exceeds 40C and is at least 4.5 degrees above normal. A “severe heatwave” is recorded when the departure from normal rises to 6.5 degrees or more.

Three straight days of heatwave

Delhi has now recorded three consecutive days of heatwave conditions.

Also Read | Why are India’s nights becoming hotter and more dangerous? Here's what experts say

On Wednesday, Safdarjung registered a maximum temperature of 44.5 degrees, which was 4.1 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature stood at 28.3C.

Northwest Delhi’s Mungeshpur remained the hottest location in the city with the mercury touching 46.3 degree Celsius. A day earlier, Safdarjung recorded a season-high maximum of 45.1 degree Celsius, while Ridge touched 46.5 degree Celsius.

The IMD said large parts of northwest and central India are witnessing similar conditions due to clear skies and dry westerly winds.

“No significant change in weather conditions is likely ahead, until at least the weekend, meaning heatwave conditions should persist in the city,” an IMD official said.

Air quality remains moderate

Despite the soaring temperatures, Delhi’s air quality stayed in the “moderate” category.

The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 160 at 10 am on Thursday, slightly lower than the reading of 168 recorded on Wednesday evening.