According to the latest weather update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi is expected to experience hotter days ahead, with temperatures potentially soaring to the 40-degree Celsius mark in the national capital.
Comparing with previous years, the IMD noted that the maximum temperature exceeded 40°C on April 16, whereas in 2022, it occurred as early as April 8. On Sunday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 35.6°C, slightly above normal, and a minimum of 16.3°C, four degrees below normal.
IMD scientist Kuldeep Srivastava mentioned that the brisk surface winds experienced in the past week are likely to diminish by Tuesday, leading to a gradual increase in minimum temperatures. It is projected that the minimum temperature could rise by three to four degrees in the coming days, with the maximum temperature potentially hitting 40°C by April 15.
Mahesh Palawat, vice-president of the private forecaster Skymet, highlighted the role of northwesterly winds in maintaining lower temperatures but warned that humidity is expected to increase in the upcoming week.
Regarding air quality, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the “moderate” category on Sunday, with a reading of 178 at 4 PM, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI was slightly lower at 167 at the same time on Saturday.
According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) bulletin, the air quality is expected to remain in the moderate category until April 8 but may deteriorate to the poor category on April 9 before returning to the moderate category on April 10.
The CPCB categorizes AQI levels as follows: 0-50 as good, 51-100 as satisfactory, 101-200 as moderate, 201-300 as poor, 301-400 as very poor, and over 400 as severe.
Residents of Delhi are advised to prepare for warmer days ahead as the mercury continues to rise.
