However, some stations in Delhi have witnessed heatwaves for 10 days in June so far.On Wednesday, Najafgarh was the hottest station at 47.7 degrees Celsius, eight degrees above normal. All stations were under the grip of a heatwave on Wednesday, while Najafgarh, Narela, Pitampura and Pusa saw a ‘severe heatwave’.
India Meteorological Department’s data shows that the last time Safdarjung recorded a higher number of heatwaves in June was in 2014 at seven such days. However, June 2019 also reported three heatwave days.
The current heatwave spell is likely to continue for the next six days.
The maximum temperature at Safdarjung was 44.7 degrees Celsius, five degrees above normal. The minimum was 28.5 degrees Celsius, one degree above normal. The heat index or feel-like temperature was 46.1 degrees Celsius.
Dry and warm westerly winds from Rajasthan and south Haryana along with clear skies are keeping the mercury above normal. For the next few days, the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 45 degrees Celsius at most stations. IMD has issued an ‘orange’ alert for Thursday, and a ‘yellow’ alert has been sounded from June 14 to 18 for heatwave conditions.
IMD has asked people to avoid heat exposure and keep themselves hydrated.
The weather department defines a heatwave day when the maximum is 4.5 degrees and more above normal temperature and the maximum is at least 40 degrees Celsius. A heatwave is also considered if maximum temperature touches 45 degrees Celsius or above. A ‘severe’ heatwave is declared when the maximum is 6.5 degrees and more above normal or when the maximum temperature surpasses 47 degrees Celsius.
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IMD forecasts rising temperatures in Chandigarh over the next five days with no heatwave or rainfall expected. Night temperatures are expected to be warmer than usual under clear skies. On Saturday, temperature changes were observed with a minor rise in humidity. IMD director AK Singh mentioned the possibility of heatwave-like conditions in some areas.
