Delhi’s Scorching Heat to Continue: IMD Issues Orange Alert for Next 3 Days

Today in Delhi, the scorching heat continued unabated with the maximum temperature soaring to 44.6 degrees Celsius, which is six notches above the season’s average, as reported by officials. Several weather stations across the city recorded high temperatures, with Aya Nagar reaching 46 degrees Celsius and Palam recording 45 degrees Celsius. The weather forecast for Sunday predicts similar conditions with mainly clear skies and the continuation of heatwave conditions in various parts of Delhi.

Given the persistent high temperatures, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the next three days in Delhi. An orange alert signifies that the region should “Be prepared” for adverse weather conditions. The IMD forecasts that maximum temperatures will hover around 45 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures are expected to be around 32 degrees Celsius.

This morning, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 32.4 degrees Celsius, which is four notches above the season’s average. The weather department anticipates clear skies throughout the day with heatwave conditions and strong surface winds prevailing. The humidity was recorded at 38 percent at 8:30 am.

Despite the intense heat, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded in the “moderate” category with a reading of 185 at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI scale categorizes air quality from “good” to “severe” based on readings between zero and 500.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Gurugram, the traffic police have introduced innovative measures to combat the heatwave. They have provided their officers with air-conditioned jackets equipped with fans and ice pads. These battery-powered jackets are aimed at providing relief to personnel who are exposed to extreme heat conditions while performing their duties. The initiative, currently in a trial phase, aims to assess the effectiveness of these cooling jackets in real-world conditions.

However, the jackets have faced some logistical challenges during testing. Issues such as the weight of the jackets, limited cooling duration of the ice pads, and potential temperature imbalances have been raised by officers testing the equipment. Despite these challenges, initial feedback from some officers indicates improved comfort and performance.

As both Delhi and Gurugram navigate through the ongoing heatwave, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and evaluate measures to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on residents and frontline workers alike.