Delhi Faces Sweltering Heat With Humidity As IMD Predicts Possible Thunderstorms

Delhi endured another day of intense heat on Wednesday, with soaring temperatures and high humidity creating almost unbearable conditions.

However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light rain accompanied by thunderstorms, which might provide some much-needed relief.

The IMD attributed this oppressive weather to several meteorological factors.

Western disturbances over northern India are causing intermittent rain and thunderstorms, while a cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea is pushing moist air into the city, significantly increasing humidity.

Rain and thunderstorms are likely on Wednesday, bringing a possible break from the heat.

Minimum temperatures are forecast to be around 28°C, with maximums near 39°C.

On Tuesday, the IMD recorded a maximum temperature of 40°C at Safdarjung station around 5:30 PM, but with humidity levels at 43 per cent, the heat index made it feel closer to 50°C.

The stifling conditions forced many residents indoors or into shaded areas to avoid the discomfort of the outdoors.

IMD officials noted that the discomfort index, which measures perceived temperature, surged due to the high moisture in the air.

The extreme heat also pushed electricity demand to a record high in Delhi.

On Tuesday at 3:11 PM, peak demand reached 7,401 megawatts, surpassing the previous day’s record of 7,265 megawatts, as air conditioners and cooling systems worked overtime.

On Monday, humidity had peaked at an unusually high 74 per cent, an uncommon level for Delhi in May, worsening the heat stress.

Despite the forecast for potential rain, experts caution that high humidity is likely to continue, making the coming days uncomfortable.

With the monsoon expected only by the last week of June, Delhi residents may need to prepare for several more weeks of heat and humidity.

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