Delhi sizzles at 42.1°C; IMD issues yellow alert as heatwave conditions persist

Across monitoring stations, temperatures remained high, with Ridge recording 43.5°C and Ayanagar touching 43.1°C. Despite the scorching conditions, the IMD clarified that official heatwave criteria were not fully met due to marginal variations in normal temperature benchmarks.

Weather officials noted that the “normal” temperature range is periodically revised using pentad norms, five-day averages, leading to a slight upward shift in baseline temperatures. For April 26-30, the normal maximum for Safdarjung stands at 39°C, compared to 37.7°C in the previous period.

Looking ahead, the IMD has forecast that high temperatures will persist over a couple of days, with maximums ranging between 43°C and 45°C for Monday and a yellow alert has also been issued for the day.

Relief, however, may be on the horizon. The weather department has predicted light rain, drizzle and thunderstorms from Monday afternoon onwards, which could bring down temperatures by 4-6°C over the following days. By mid-week, maximum temperatures are expected to settle closer to normal levels, ranging between 37°C and 41°C.

The authorities have advised residents to take precautions against heat exposure, as hot and dry conditions continue to grip the city.