Country’s highest temperature seen in Delhi as Najafgarh sizzles at 47.8°C; all schools ordered shut in Ghaziabad

To be sure, Najafgarh has an automatic weather station, unlike Delhi’s base observatory at Safdarjung, where the maximum temperature was recorded as 44.4 degrees Celsius, four degrees above normal. The minimum temperature, at 28.2 degrees Celsius, was two degrees above normal.

While most schools in the region are shut for summer vacations, Ghaziabad District Magistrate Indra Vikram Singh ordered all schools up to Class 8 in the district to remain shut. The maximum temperature in Ghaziabad on Sunday was 44.4 degrees Celsius.

IMD has issued a red alert in the city on Monday as well as Tuesday due to severe heat wave conditions in the city.

The rise in temperature in Delhi has been consistent, with Saturday seeing a maximum of 43.6 degrees Celsius. On Friday, it was recorded as 42.5 degrees Celsius. Both the figures are from Safdarjung Observatory.

IMD officials said no respite from the heat was expected this week, attributing the rise in temperature to the lack of rain coupled with dry winds. The maximum temperature is expected to be 44 degrees on Monday and 45 degrees on Tuesday. Hot surface winds at speeds of 25-35 kilometres per hour have been forecast on Monday.

IMD also issued a seven-day forecast, urging people to ensure “extreme care for vulnerable people” due to the heat wave. It said there was a very high likelihood of developing heat-related illness and heat stroke in people of all ages, and a significant health concern for vulnerable individuals.