As Delhi continues to experience heatwave conditions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a ‘red’ alert for the national capital on Sunday. A ‘red’ alert is issued when the expected weather consequences are extreme such as a “very high likelihood of developing heat illness or stroke” as well as “serious health concerns for vulnerable people” including the elderly, infants and those with chronic diseases. The IMD declares a heatwave when the maximum temperature is recorded at 45 degree Celsius or above. For the second consecutive day on Saturday, parts of Delhi recorded heatwave conditions. The highest maximum temperature recorded in the city on Saturday was 46.8 degree Celsius in Northwest Delhi’s Mungeshpur, followed by 46.7 degree Celsius in Southwest Delhi’s Najafgarh. At the Ridge in North Delhi, the maximum temperature was 45.5 degree Celsius, while it settled at 45.2 degree Celsius at Aya Nagar and 46.1 degree Celsius at Pitampura. The Safdarjung weather station — which serves as a marker for the city — recorded a maximum temperature of 43.7 degree Celsius, three degrees above the normal, on Saturday. According to the IMD, heatwave conditions are likely in many parts of the city on Sunday, with the maximum temperature at Safdarjung expected to be around 44 degree Celsius. Heatwave conditions are set to persist on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and the IMD has issued an ‘orange’ alert for these three days — a warning to “be prepared” for possible symptoms of illness among those exposed to heat for a prolonged period. From Monday to Wednesday, the maximum temperature at Safdarjung is likely to be around 44 or 45 degree Celsius, said the IMD.
