When will Delhi get monsoon relief? IMD shares timeline

Delhi continued to battle intense heat on Sunday as the city's "feels-like" temperature crossed 50 degree Celsius once again, even as strong winds and a dust storm swept parts of the national capital in the evening.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), relief from the prevailing heat conditions is likely only from Thursday, when maximum temperatures are expected to drop to 34 degree Celsius to 36 degree Celsius and may fall further to 33 degree Celsius-35 degree Celsius by Friday, Hindustan Times reported.

Humidity pushes heat index above 50 degree Celsius

The heat index, also known as the real-feel temperature, remained exceptionally high throughout the day because of elevated humidity levels. Relative humidity ranged between 37 per cent and 70 per cent.

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The heat index was recorded at 49.1 degree Celsius at 11:30 am, rose to 50 degree Celsius at 2:30 pm and reached 50.7 degree Celsius by 5:30 pm, per HT report.

Delhi also witnessed high wet-bulb temperatures, with readings of 28.1 degree Celsius at 2:30 pm and 29.5 degree Celsius at 5:30 pm. Wet-bulb temperature measures the lowest temperature that can be achieved through evaporation and is considered an important indicator of heat stress.

Heatwave conditions persist

Safdarjung, the city's base weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 41.8 degree Celsius, which was 4.6 degrees above normal. Lodi Road was the only other station to meet the IMD's heatwave criteria with a maximum temperature of 42.1 degree Celsius, HT reported.

The minimum temperature stood at 31.1 degree Celsius, around 3.2 degrees above normal.

The IMD declares a heatwave when the maximum temperature crosses 40 degree Celsius and remains at least 4.5 degree Celsius above normal at two weather stations for two consecutive days.

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Rain may bring relief later this week

Strong winds were also recorded across parts of Delhi. Palam recorded wind speeds of 70 kmph, while Pusa reported gusts of 56 kmph.

Mahesh Palawat, vice president of Skymet Weather told Hindustan Times, “Southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea are bringing moisture to northwestern India, increasing humidity levels. The feels-like temperature has remained high due to increased humidity and high temperature.”

He added, “Although the humidity is likely to remain for a few days, but by July 2 or 3, there are chances of scattered rain.”

The IMD has predicted rain and thunderstorms until Saturday, while the delayed monsoon is now expected to reach Delhi only after July 4.

FAQs:

Why did Delhi's feels-like temperature cross 50degree Celsius

High humidity combined with elevated temperatures pushed the heat index above 50 degree Celsius.

When is Delhi likely to get relief from the heat?

The IMD expects temperatures to decline and scattered rain to arrive later this week.