Respite from sweltering heat: Clouds and winds bring relief to Delhi
2 min read . Updated: 24 May 2023, 08:17 AM IST
PremiumOn Tuesday, the maximum temperature in certain areas, including Najafgarh, exceeded 46 degrees Celsius for the second consecutive day.
Delhi experienced a severe heat wave as seven out of the 22 weather stations in the capital recorded maximum temperatures surpassing 45 degrees Celsius.
The scorching conditions led to a significant surge in peak power demand, reaching 6,916 MW on Tuesday, marking the highest demand so far this season.
Officials predict that this year, the peak power demand may reach 8,100 MW, compared to the recorded peak of 7,695 MW during the previous summer.
In the evening, there was a temporary respite from the intense heat in Delhi as gusty winds, reaching speeds of up to 48 kilometres per hour, and an overcast sky prevailed.
The arrival of cloudy weather, along with the possibility of thunderstorms and light rain, is anticipated on Wednesday afternoon or evening. On Tuesday, the maximum temperature in certain areas, including Najafgarh, exceeded 46 degrees Celsius for the second consecutive day.
Delhi's main weather station, the Safdarjung Observatory, registered a maximum temperature of 43.5 degrees Celsius, which is three degrees higher than the usual temperature for this time.
Other areas in Delhi witnessed even higher temperatures, with Ridge recording 45.1 degrees Celsius, Jafarpur and Narela at 45.2 degrees, Pitampura at 46.1 degrees, Pusa at 45.7 degrees, and the Sports Complex area at 46.2 degrees.
A heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature in a particular region reaches or exceeds certain thresholds. In the plains, the threshold is set at 40 degrees Celsius, while in coastal areas, it is 37 degrees Celsius, and in hilly regions, it is 30 degrees Celsius.
Additionally, to qualify as a heat wave, the departure from the normal temperature should be at least 4.5 degrees.
The India Meteorological Department said a western disturbance active over the western Himalayan region will bring rain, hailstorm and gusty winds in the northwestern plains on Wednesday. As a result, the maximum temperature will drop to 36 degrees Celsius by Thursday, it said.
At the beginning of the month, the meteorological department had forecasted lower-than-average maximum temperatures and a reduced number of heatwave days in northwest India during May.
However, due to the expected delayed onset of the southwest monsoon, it is anticipated that the maximum temperatures will remain higher than normal for an extended duration compared to usual.
According to a study conducted at the University of Cambridge, the frequency and intensity of heat waves in India have been increasing as a result of climate change.
Over 90 per cent of the country falls into the "extremely cautious" category or "danger zone" regarding the impacts of these heat waves.
The study also highlights that Delhi, despite having a state action plan for climate change, remains particularly susceptible to severe heatwave effects, which have not been adequately addressed in the plan.
(With inputs from PTI)