The maximum temperature in Delhi has been recorded above normal and is expected to rise further in the coming days. Furthermore, the air quality index remains in the poor category, raising concerns about both heat and pollution.
Heatwave Grips Delhi (Image Source: Internet)
New Delhi: The weather in the capital Delhi remained hotter than normal on Wednesday. The maximum temperature was recorded at 30.2 degrees Celsius, which is about 4 degrees above normal. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there will be no significant change in temperatures for the next two days, but a gradual increase in heat is expected after that.
The Meteorological Department estimates that the maximum temperature may increase by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius from February 28th for the next five days. After this, a further increase of 3 to 5 degrees Celsius is possible. This means the heat wave in the capital is expected to intensify with the onset of March. The maximum temperature on Thursday is expected to be around 31 degrees Celsius.
On Wednesday, the Ridge area recorded the highest temperature of 30.5 degrees Celsius. Lodi Road and Safdarjung recorded 30.2 degrees Celsius, Ayanagar 30 degrees Celsius, and Palam 27.8 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature was 12.6 degrees Celsius in Safdarjung, 13.8 degrees Celsius in Palam, 12.4 degrees Celsius in Lodi Road, 14.8 degrees Celsius in the Ridge area, and 12.5 degrees Celsius in Ayanagar.
Light fog is expected in many areas in the morning, while winds may blow at speeds of around 20 kilometers per hour during the day.
Along with the temperature, air quality also remains a concern. The capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 228, which falls in the "poor" category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) SAMEER app, the Anand Vihar area was the most polluted on Wednesday evening, with an AQI of 326, or "very poor."
The AQI remained in the "poor" category at 26 pollution monitoring stations in Delhi, while it was recorded in the "moderate" category at 11.
Delhiites currently face the dual challenge of heat and pollution. The continuous rise in temperatures and poor air quality can increase health problems. According to the Meteorological Department, the effects of heat will become more pronounced in the coming days, so people need to remain vigilant.
