Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK :  Delhi witnessed its hottest day of the summer season, as the maximum temperature soared to 41.3°C at the Safdarjung weather station, setting a new benchmark for this year. The temperature rise has ignited concerns among residents, as the capital grapples with intense heat conditions, marking an early start to the peak summer heat.

 The scorching heat was not limited to just one part of Delhi. Various weather stations across the city reported similarly high temperatures. The Ridge recorded a maximum temperature of 41.9°C, Palam saw 41.1°C, Ayanagar reached 40.9°C, and Lodhi Road hit 40.6°C. These temperature spikes are significant and indicate that a heatwave is affecting large areas of the city. Such intense heat is often associated with high air pressure systems that trap warm air over the region, making the situation uncomfortable for the city’s population.

 This temperature is the highest recorded in Delhi in April in the past three years. In 2024, the highest temperature in the same month was 40.5°C, and in 2023, it reached 40.6°C. This year’s figure of 41.3°C shows a notable increase, raising concerns about rising temperature trends in the capital. These temperatures are a clear indication that the city is facing early and more intense heatwaves than usual, making it a challenging summer for its residents.

 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had already predicted that this summer would bring above-normal temperatures, with more heatwave days expected than usual. A heatwave is defined as when the temperature exceeds 40°C at two or more weather stations and departs by at least 4.5°C from normal temperatures for consecutive days. While Delhi did experience a brief heatwave in early April, the IMD forecasts no heatwave conditions this week, providing a brief respite for residents. Despite this, the city will continue to see high temperatures, which could rise again in the coming days.

  Looking ahead, the IMD predicts clear skies for Delhi throughout the week, with no significant changes in temperature. Strong surface winds are expected, with speeds reaching up to 20 km/h until Wednesday. These winds, while somewhat alleviating the heat, will still not offer full relief from the intense temperatures. The minimum temperature, which is generally more manageable, is expected to range between 23°C and 25°C until Thursday, before gradually increasing to 27°C by the weekend. The daytime temperature, which is currently hovering around 39°C, is expected to climb to around 41°C by Sunday, indicating that the city will remain under the grip of intense heat for the foreseeable future.

 The extreme heat is having a significant impact on the daily lives of Delhiites. With schools, offices, and businesses operating as usual, the scorching temperatures have made it uncomfortable for people to go about their day-to-day activities. Authorities are urging people to stay hydrated, avoid direct exposure to the sun, and wear light clothing to reduce the effects of the heat. The public has also been advised to stay indoors during peak daytime hours when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. Additionally, the city’s public health system remains on high alert for heat-related illnesses, with hospitals and clinics bracing for a potential increase in cases of heat exhaustion and dehydration.

 The extreme temperatures experienced by Delhi in April 2025 are a stark reminder of the changing climate patterns and the increasing frequency of heatwaves. While the IMD has forecast some relief in the coming days, the high temperatures will likely continue throughout the summer. As the city braces for more scorching days, residents are encouraged to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being during this intense heatwave.