Delhi experienced its highest temperature of the year on Sunday, registering a maximum of 41.1 degrees Celsius, which is two degrees above the usual, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This marks the highest maximum temperature recorded in the national capital this summer thus far. The previous highest was recorded on April 27th, with the maximum temperature reaching 40.5 degrees Celsius
The relative humidity fluctuated between 19% and 63% throughout the day.
At 8:30 am, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a humidity level of 31%.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at 9 am, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital stood at 302, categorized as “poor”.
The AQI scale categorizes readings as follows: 0-50 is “good”, 51-100 is “satisfactory”, 101-200 is “moderate”, 201-300 is “poor”, 301-400 is “very poor”, and 401-500 is “severe”. An AQI above 500 falls into the “severe plus” category.
The meteorological office has predicted predominantly clear skies for Monday, with expected maximum and minimum temperatures of 41 and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Numerous states in India encountered intense heat, with degrees reaching as high as 45 degrees Celsius. Areas including Telangana, Rayalaseema in Andhra Pradesh, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, north interior Karnataka, and northern Madhya Pradesh registered degree ranging from 44 to 45 degrees Celsius, indicating a notable rise in heat in specific regions across these states.
Intense heat prevailed in areas of Marathwada, southeast Uttar Pradesh, northeast Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, north Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and Coastal Andhra Pradesh, where maximum temperatures ranged from 42 to 44 degrees Celsius.
According to IMD, these degrees were not only above the usual range but notably elevated. In certain areas of Gangetic West Bengal, temperatures were noted to be 4-7 degrees Celsius higher than normal, prompting concerns regarding potential adverse impacts on human health and agricultural output.
In significant regions of Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Rayalaseema, and Tamil Nadu, as well as sporadic areas in Kerala, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, weather conditions surpassed typical levels by 2-5 degrees Celsius.
These deviations reflect the global trend of increasing heatwaves, emphasizing the ramifications of climate change. Elevated weather can result in water scarcity, affect agricultural activities, and pose health hazards, especially in densely populated areas.
Predictions for the forthcoming week indicate that these regions may continue to experience high temperatures.
Also Read: Heatwave Holds Firm Across India, Temps Above 40°C in Some States: IMD Warns
