Rajeev Sharma :- After a brief spell of cloudy skies and slightly cooler conditions, the national capital is once again preparing for an intense phase of scorching heat, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for the next three days.
According to the weather department, Delhi is likely to witness heatwave conditions with daytime temperatures expected to hover between 44 and 46 degrees Celsius. Officials said the mercury may rise further over the next 24 hours and remain elevated until May 27 before any significant relief arrives.
The IMD stated that maximum temperatures could increase by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius in the coming days, while minimum temperatures are also expected to rise by around 2 to 3 degrees Celsius before gradually declining towards the end of the month.
The yellow alert, which will remain in effect till May 27, warns residents to remain cautious and take preventive measures against heat-related illnesses. The weather office has also forecast severe heatwave conditions in isolated parts of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi between May 25 and May 27, while heat alerts may continue until May 28.
Humidity levels in Delhi were recorded at 37 per cent on Sunday morning, adding to discomfort across the city. Despite the prevailing hot conditions, the IMD has predicted the possibility of light rain in some areas by Sunday evening.
A more noticeable change in weather is expected between May 28 and May 30, when light rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds could bring down temperatures across the region and offer respite from the prolonged heat.
Several other states across the country are also grappling with extreme weather conditions. Red alerts have been issued for parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra due to severe heatwave conditions.
Meanwhile, orange alerts remain in force for Telangana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Karnataka.
Apart from the soaring temperatures, Delhi’s air quality continued to remain in the “poor” category, adding to health concerns for residents.
