India

Delhi Braces For Heatwave As IMD Issues Orange Alert

Delhi began Tuesday under warm conditions as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted heatwave-like conditions for the day.

The scorching sun returned to the national capital, and temperatures are expected to rise sharply, prompting caution among residents.

IMD issues orange and yellow alerts

The IMD issued an orange alert for June 10 and 11, warning of intense heatwave conditions across Delhi-NCR.

A yellow alert remains in effect for June 12 and 13, indicating continued high temperatures but slightly less severe than the earlier part of the week.

By 8:00 AM, Delhi recorded a temperature of 32°C, with relative humidity at 39%, according to IMD data.

The maximum temperature for the day is likely to reach 44°C, while dust-laden winds are expected to sweep across the city.

The minimum temperature stood at 27.8°C, just 0.2 degrees below the seasonal average.

Air quality in poor category

Delhi’s air quality remained poor on Tuesday morning. At 9:00 AM, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 218, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

This places Delhi’s air in the ‘poor’ category, which can cause breathing discomfort for people with lung or heart conditions.

AQI category guide:

0–50: Good
51–100: Satisfactory
101–200: Moderate
201–300: Poor
301–400: Very Poor
401–500: Severe

Relief expected from Thursday, says IMD

The IMD predicts that heatwave conditions will continue in isolated parts of Delhi on Tuesday and Wednesday, under mainly clear skies.

However, starting Thursday, a shift in weather patterns is expected. The city may receive light rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, making the weather hot and humid but bringing relief from the heatwave.