Staff Reporter / New Delhi
Residents of Delhi-NCR should prepare for an intense spell of heat as temperatures are projected to rise sharply in the coming days, according to the India Meteorological Department. The mercury is expected to breach the 40-degree Celsius mark soon, signaling the onset of peak summer conditions and heatwave-like situations across the region.
Thursday was recorded as the hottest day of the season so far, with temperatures soaring well above normal. At Safdarjung, Delhi’s base weather station, the maximum temperature touched 40.3°C—around 3.4 degrees above the seasonal average. Other parts of the city also witnessed elevated readings, with Lodhi Road at 40.1°C, Palam at 39.4°C, and the Ridge area recording a scorching 41.4°C.
On Friday, however, the maximum temperature dipped slightly to 37°C, while the minimum settled at 21°C. Despite this brief relief, the upward trend is expected to continue. The maximum temperature is likely to climb to 38°C on April 18, followed by 39°C on April 19 and 20, with minimum temperatures gradually rising between 22°C and 23°C.
Meteorologists have warned that by April 21 and 22, temperatures are set to hit the 40°C mark once again, with minimum temperatures hovering around 24°C. Clear skies are expected during this period, further intensifying daytime heat.
While some cloud movement is anticipated on April 18, rainfall remains unlikely. The forecast indicates mostly clear weather over the next week, offering little relief from the rising temperatures.
With no significant rain in sight, residents are likely to face prolonged heat stress. Authorities and health experts have urged people to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, stay hydrated, and take necessary precautions as both heat and pollution levels continue to rise in the region.