Hot Week For Delhi - Mercury To Remain Above Forty Degrees: Heat wave Likely
Representational Image: AI-Skymet
Key Takeaways:
- Safdarjung recorded 41.9°C, the highest temperature of May so far.
- Isolated pockets like Ayanagar touched 43°C.
- Heat wave conditions are likely over parts of Delhi between 20th and 21st May.
- Strong northwesterly winds may trigger intense “loo” conditions this week.
Delhi is becoming hotter and catching up with the seasonal heat. Base station Safdarjung recorded a maximum temperature of 41.9°C yesterday, the highest of this month so far. Some parts of Delhi, like Ayanagar, reached 43°C. These temperatures are about 2°-3°C above normal and, therefore, technically do not qualify for heat wave conditions. A heat wave is announced in the plains when the maximum temperature reaches or exceeds 40°C and the departure from normal is between 4.5°-6.4°C. A heat wave is also declared when the day temperature reaches or exceeds 45°C. Since the pentad normal temperature for Delhi around this time is about 40°-41°C, the mercury needs to cross at least the 44°C mark for heat wave conditions. These temperatures are likely during this week, triggering the second spell of heat wave during this pre-monsoon season.
The western disturbance, as an upper air system, will be affecting the mid and higher reaches of the northern mountains. Plains will remain free from any significant weather activity. The usual east-west trough close to Delhi has now shifted far to the north. The wind pattern has changed, and a strong and dry northwesterly stream will sweep the region for the entire week. The border areas of Rajasthan and the adjoining Pakistan region are sizzling with temperatures in excess of 45°C. The wind pattern is favourable to advect that heat over other plains of North India, including Delhi.
The maximum temperature is likely to reach about 43°C today, about a degree higher than yesterday. Around mid-week, a further rise by one degree is expected between 20th and 21st May 2026. However, the temperature is unlikely to breach the 45°C mark this week. Some isolated pockets of Delhi will exceed 45°C between 20th and 21st May. Therefore, heat wave conditions are likely across some parts of Delhi during this week. Surface winds are expected to become stronger, resulting in “loo” conditions during the afternoon hours.
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