In recent days, Delhi has experienced scorching temperatures with minimal relief in sight, as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts delayed monsoon onset. On Monday, parts of the city received scant rainfall amidst soaring humidity levels, pushing the heat index to a stifling 53 degrees Celsius for the second consecutive day.
The IMD’s forecast indicates that light rain and possible thunderstorms are expected from June 25 to 28, offering slight respite from the intense heat. Despite a brief dip in maximum temperatures below 40 degrees Celsius in recent days, Monday saw a rise to 40.4 degrees Celsius, exacerbating discomfort amid high humidity levels.
According to IMD data, Palam reported 0.2 mm of rainfall, while other parts of Delhi also witnessed light showers. The city’s air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ category, with an AQI of 142, likely to persist in the coming days, as predicted by the Air Quality Early Warning System.
Looking ahead, the IMD has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for thunderstorms and rain on June 29 and 30, emphasizing uncertainty over the monsoon’s arrival date in the capital. The prolonged heatwave, spanning from May 14 to June 21, has seen maximum temperatures consistently exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, only recently easing marginally.
With temperatures expected to hover around 40 degrees Celsius in the next few days and a heat index projected between 50-52 degrees Celsius, Delhiites brace for challenging weather conditions until potential relief arrives with the monsoon.