Delhi heatwave: IMD forecasts more hot days, light rains likely today

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Delhi experienced its fifth consecutive day of heatwaves on Thursday and IMD predicted that this trend will continue for the next five days, with maximum temperatures expected to range between 44 and 45 degrees Celsius. There is, however, a chance of thunderstorms, lightning, and light rain at isolated locations on Friday afternoon or evening.

The maximum temperature on Thursday recorded at the Safdarjung Observatory, considered the official marker of the city, was 4.9 notches above normal at 44.8 degrees Celsius.

The Najafgarh weather station recorded a maximum temperature of 45.1 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Among Delhi's other stations, Narela recorded a high of 45.3 degrees Celsius, Aya Nagar 46.4 degrees, Ridge 46.3 degrees and Palam 45.8 degrees, the weather office said in a bulletin.

The national capital was placed under an 'orange' alert, indicating «be prepared» during the day, as per the IMD bulletin. Relative humidity varied between 15% and 58% during this period. The weather forecast predicts partly cloudy skies with the chance of thunderstorms and light rain or drizzle in some areas during Friday afternoon and evening.

The IMD has also predicted heatwave conditions in some areas, accompanied by strong surface winds reaching speeds of 35 kilometres per hour on Friday.

The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 44 and 30 degrees Celsius, respectively.

With inputs from PTI