Delhi heatwave alert: IMD warns of soaring temperatures this weekend

Temperature in Delhi is expected to climb above 40 degrees Celsius; air quality remains poor despite marginal improvement across NCR regions

Delhi experienced a pleasant morning on Thursday with gentle surface winds. A yellow alert has been issued for a heatwave on April 25 and 26, as the maximum temperature in the national capital is likely to increase by two to three degrees Celsius towards the weekend. This is due to clear skies and dry westerly winds, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

What qualifies as a heatwave in Delhi, according to IMD?

Delhi recorded its highest maximum temperature of the season on April 21, touching 41.3 degrees Celsius. A further rise is expected over the weekend, prompting the IMD to issue a heatwave warning.

 

The IMD classifies weather conditions as a heatwave when the maximum temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius with a departure of 4.5 degrees Celsius or more from the normal. In the plains, it is also considered a heatwave if this departure exceeds 5 degrees Celsius.

Delhi weather forecast today: Skies clear, dry winds push temperatures up

The IMD has forecast a maximum temperature of 40–41 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 20–22 degrees Celsius for today. The skies will remain clear, even as a western disturbance is expected to impact the hills. In the plains, dry winds will persist, potentially pushing temperatures higher through Saturday. A slight dip in temperature may occur from Sunday onwards as easterly winds return under the influence of this disturbance.

Weekend weather in Delhi: IMD warns of sustained high temperatures

Temperatures in Delhi are likely to remain between 40 and 42 degrees Celsius over the coming days. The IMD has forecast mainly clear skies until April 25 and issued a heatwave alert for the weekend. Strong surface winds are expected during the daytime. Heatwave conditions are likely to prevail in the next few days.

Pan-India weather outlook: Rain and thunderstorms in southern and eastern states

In the northeast and east, scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall is expected, along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.

 

In the south, Kerala and Mahe are likely to experience similar weather, including rain, thunder, lightning, and gusty winds. Other areas in the southern peninsula may see isolated to scattered showers.

Delhi air quality index remains poor despite slight improvement

Air quality in the capital remained in the ‘poor’ category on Thursday morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 238 at 7 am on April 24, compared with 217 at the same time a day earlier.

 

The AQI across Delhi-NCR showed marginal improvement, with some locations falling into the ‘satisfactory’ or ‘moderate’ category. Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI stood at 224 at 4 pm on April 23. In Gurugram, the AQI dropped to 170, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. Noida and Greater Noida recorded AQIs of 176 and 160, respectively. Ghaziabad’s AQI declined to 190.