Heatwave Returns To Delhi-NCR, IMD Predicts Dust Storms And Rain

Delhi-NCR continued to experience intense heatwave conditions on Sunday, with temperatures soaring above normal levels across several parts of the national capital region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that these scorching conditions are likely to persist until Friday, with gusty winds, dust storms, and possible light rainfall expected in the coming days.

According to IMD officials, several areas in Delhi experienced isolated heatwave conditions, despite a slight improvement in the weather a day earlier. By late Sunday evening, dust from Pakistan entered parts of Delhi-NCR through Rajasthan and Haryana, which may affect the city’s air quality.

The weather department reported that Safdarjung recorded a maximum temperature of 43.6 degrees Celsius on Sunday, while Lodhi Road reached 43.8 degrees Celsius. The Ridge and Ayanagar were among the hottest locations at 44.6 degrees Celsius, and Mungeshpur recorded 44.5 degrees Celsius.

The IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies, light rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, dust storms, and strong surface winds over the next few days. Wind speeds are expected to reach 20-30 km/h and may occasionally gust up to 60 km/h during storms. However, officials have clarified that the anticipated rainfall on Monday will not provide significant relief from the extreme heat.

A heatwave is officially declared when the maximum temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and remains at least 4.5 degrees above normal. Temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius in the plains are also classified as heatwave conditions.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Monday, warning residents about both heatwave conditions and thunderstorms. Similar weather is expected until Wednesday, with some relief likely arriving on Thursday and Friday as temperatures are predicted to drop to around 35-37 degrees Celsius, accompanied by rain and thunderstorms.

Meteorologists attribute the changing weather to a western disturbance currently affecting Jammu and nearby regions. Another western disturbance is expected to impact northwest India starting May 28.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 205 on Sunday, placing it in the “poor” category before slightly improving later in the night.