Temp inches towards 40°C; IMD says brace for heatwave

The Capital is set to sizzle this week as a combination of clear skies and warm, south-easterly winds are predicted to push the mercury past the 40-degree mark, India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials said on Sunday, as they issued a yellow alert, warning of heatwave conditions from Monday through Wednesday.

- Jasjeev Gandhiok

NEW DELHI:

Meanwhile, the air quality in the city sharply deteriorated, from the "moderate" zone to the "poor" category.

The Met declares a heatwave when the maximum temperature is at least 40 degrees Celsius (°C), and is also 4.5°C or more above normal. Alternatively, any day when the maximum crosses 45°C or higher also qualifies as a heatwave. A "severe heatwave" is one where the maximum is 6.5°C above normal.

According to IMD forecasts, the maximum will likely hover between 40-42°C this week.

"With clear skies expected in the region, daytime temperatures on the rise. Conditions are conducive for a heatwave across the city," an IMD official said.

On Sunday, Safdarjung—Delhi's official weather station—recorded a maximum of 38.2°C, which was 3°C above normal. The day's high was 35.7°C a day earlier.