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New Delhi: The capital is currently experiencing an intense heatwave, with Saturday marking a record high for the year. Various weather stations across Delhi reported 'heatwave' conditions, although the meteorological department has forecasted rain from Monday to Wednesday, providing hope for relief to residents.

Weather Alerts Issued
A 'yellow alert' was issued for Saturday, which will also remain in effect for Sunday, warning of heatwave conditions in different areas. The Safdarjung Observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 42.8 degrees Celsius on Saturday, exceeding the normal by 5.1 degrees. This marks an increase of 0.9 degrees from the previous day, categorizing it as a 'heatwave'.

Highest Temperature in Four Years
According to the meteorological department (IMD), a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius or higher and is 4.5 to 6.4 degrees above normal. This is the highest temperature recorded in Delhi over the past four years. Previously, on April 28, 2022, the temperature peaked at 43.5 degrees Celsius.

Weather Conditions in Delhi
The minimum temperature at Safdarjung was noted at 25.2 degrees Celsius, which is 2.5 degrees above normal. Other weather stations in Delhi also reported heatwave conditions. The maximum temperature at Lodhi Road was 42.6 degrees Celsius, 5.6 degrees above normal, while the Ridge center recorded 44.5 degrees, exceeding normal by 6.1 degrees. Ayanagar reported a maximum of 43.2 degrees Celsius, which is 4.8 degrees above normal.

Third Consecutive Day of Heat
An IMD official clarified that while only one center in Delhi reported heatwave conditions on Thursday, the standard applies to the entire 'Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi' subdivision. The official stated, 'On Thursday, the heatwave criteria were met at Rohtak in Haryana and the Ridge center in Delhi, marking the first day of this season. Saturday was the third consecutive day of heatwave conditions.'

Rain Expected on Monday
Meanwhile, the meteorological department has issued a 'yellow alert' for Sunday as well. Officials indicated that this situation is likely to persist until Sunday. Due to the influence of easterly winds in the lower troposphere, a drop in maximum temperatures is expected on Tuesday, as light rain is forecasted to begin on Monday.

Relief from Heat for Residents
According to the meteorological department, the influence of easterly winds at the lower tropospheric level may lead to a decrease in maximum temperatures on Tuesday. Light rain, along with gusty winds and possible thunderstorms, is anticipated from Monday, which could provide relief from the heat by Wednesday. By the end of next week, maximum temperatures are expected to drop to between 38-40 degrees Celsius, with minimum temperatures hovering around 25 to 27 degrees Celsius.