Delhi Sees Hottest Day of 2024 with Temperature Peaking at 36.8°C
New Delhi witnessed a significant spike in temperatures on Wednesday, marking the warmest day of the year so far. The maximum temperature at Safdarjung, the city's primary weather station, climbed to 36.8 degrees Celsius, which is eight degrees above the seasonal normal. This reading also represents the highest temperature recorded in the first half of March (before March 15) in at least 15 years, dating back to 2011.
Unusual Heatwave Conditions Persist
The city has been experiencing an extended period of above-normal heat, with four consecutive days of maximum temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius until Tuesday. On Tuesday, the temperature was recorded at 35.5 degrees Celsius, seven degrees above the usual average. The clear skies and warmer winds on Wednesday contributed to the further rise in temperatures, exacerbating the heatwave conditions.
Regional Temperature Variations
Specific areas in Delhi reported even higher temperatures. Ayanagar and the Ridge area were the warmest, with temperatures reaching 37.4 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Lodhi Road at 37.1 degrees Celsius. Prior to Wednesday, the highest temperature this year was 35.7 degrees Celsius on March 7. For context, last year on March 26, the maximum temperature had risen to 38.9 degrees Celsius, indicating a pattern of early-season heat.
Minimum Temperature and IMD Forecast
The minimum temperature on Wednesday was 17.8 degrees Celsius, slightly lower than the 18.8 degrees recorded a day earlier. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 34-36 degrees and 16-18 degrees Celsius, respectively, on Thursday.
However, relief may be on the horizon. The IMD has indicated that a fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from March 14. This weather system has the potential to bring very light rain or drizzle by March 15, which could cause the maximum temperature to drop to approximately 30-32 degrees Celsius, providing some respite from the intense heat.
Air Quality Concerns
Despite the heat, air quality remained a concern. On Wednesday, the air quality index (AQI) was 244, classified as poor, although it showed a slight improvement from 265 a day earlier. According to the government's early warning system, the air quality is likely to remain in the poor category from March 12-14. Over the next six days, it is expected to improve to a moderate level, but ongoing monitoring is advised.
This combination of high temperatures and poor air quality underscores the environmental challenges facing Delhi, with residents advised to take precautions during this period of unusual weather activity.
