Delhi woke up to hot and humid conditions on Tuesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for heatwave conditions as the national capital braces for temperatures as high as 44 degrees Celsius.
The city recorded a minimum temperature of 26.8 degrees Celsius, close to the seasonal average.
Among the key weather stations, Palam recorded a minimum temperature of 27.5 degrees Celsius, 0.6 degrees above normal, while Lodhi Road registered 25.6 degrees Celsius, 0.4 degrees below normal. The Ridge station logged 26.7 degrees Celsius, slightly above normal, while Ayanagar recorded 27.1 degrees Celsius, marginally below the seasonal average.
According to the IMD, the maximum temperature is likely to touch 44 degrees Celsius during the day, intensifying heatwave conditions across the city.
Adding to residents’ discomfort, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated further and entered the “very poor” category. The Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 301 at 9 am, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
As per CPCB standards, an AQI between 301 and 400 falls in the “very poor” category and may cause respiratory discomfort, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens and people with pre-existing health conditions.
The combination of scorching temperatures and worsening air quality has prompted authorities to advise residents to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, stay hydrated and take necessary precautions against heat-related illnesses.
With weather conditions expected to remain harsh over the coming days, Delhiites may face a challenging spell of extreme heat and poor air quality.
