The temperatures in Palam in Delhi hit a new high of 46 degrees Celsius which was the highest in two years in the month of May and six notches above normal, as searing northwesterly winds and clear skies made Tuesday the hottest day of the season.
According to Met officials, today could be even hotter as the Met office is issuing a heat wave warning in the capital. The maximum temperatures recorded at the city’s main weather station at Safdarjung was 44 degrees Celsius on Tuesday which was the seasons highest. The Met department are expecting to see a high of 45 degrees today at Safdarjung.
The met office said Thursday could see a slight drop in temperature with a likelihood of a dust storm. “The maximum may fall to 42 degrees on Thursday due to thunderstorm and dust storm activity. Following that, temperatures will rise once again and reach 45 degrees,” said the official.
Temperature 4-6 degrees Celsius above normal, lack of wind adding to the discomfort
Other weather stations in Delhi recorded similar highs on Tuesday, with Ayanagar and Ridge registering 44.7 and 44.3 degrees Celsius, respectively.
“The normal for this time of the season is around 40 degrees Celsius but we were four to six degrees above normal at places in Delhi today. Both Palam and Safdarjung recorded seasonal highs and it could hotter on Wednesday.
“There is no western disturbance affecting Delhi at the moment and the clear skies are helping the maximum shoot fairly high. Earlier, we were getting moisture through easterly winds but they have also changed direction and there is very little moisture at this moment,” said an official.
Global warming and pollution is the main cause of these huge surges in temperatures and the heat is now becoming intolerable. Measures should be taken to control the number of vehicles on road and also there should be a curb on diesel vehicles. Industries should also be given stricter norms so as to control pollution and the resultant global warming. If this is the state of affairs now then just imagine just what the weather will be like in the next 10 to 15 years.
With temperatures soaring beyond normal, citizens are requested to stay indoors and keep their bodies hydrated by having lots of water. It is also important to take precautions if one is venturing out in the afternoon or early evening as there are chances of heat stroke because of the extreme temperatures.
Wear a cap and sunglasses and also carry a chilled water bottle for yourself while venturing out in the sun. It is important to cover the head and face as these areas are the most vulnerable to the sun and heat.
Temperatures are certainly going to increase and the only way out is to precautions on one’s own end. Children should be provided with extra care and should be protected from the heat as much as possible.
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