The heat continues in Delhi, with the maximum temperature exceeding the norm on Wednesday. According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum recorded at the Safdarjung base weather station was 36.1 degrees Celsius, which is 2.6 degrees higher than the average. Compared to Tuesday, when the maximum was 35 degrees Celsius, the temperature rose by 1.1 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Meteorologists reported that no rainfall was registered in the capital over the last two days.
However, signs of weather change are emerging. The IMD forecasts light rains in Delhi starting from Friday, as well as the possibility of cloud cover over the capital. Temperatures above the norm were also recorded at various weather stations in Delhi. For example, in Palme, the maximum was 34.2 degrees Celsius, which is 0.7 degrees above normal. On Lodi Road, the temperature reached 35.8 degrees Celsius, exceeding the norm by 2.8 degrees. In Ridge, 34.9 degrees Celsius was recorded (1.3 degrees above normal), and in Ayangar, 35.5 degrees Celsius (1.1 degrees above normal).
Minimum temperatures were also elevated in many areas on Wednesday. In Safdarjung, the minimum temperature was 27 degrees Celsius, which is 1.4 degrees above the norm. In Palme, the minimum temperature was 24.4 degrees Celsius, which is 0.8 degrees below the norm. On Lodi Road, the minimum temperature was 26.2 degrees Celsius, exceeding the norm by 1.2 degrees. In Ridge, the minimum temperature was 22.8 degrees Celsius (1.7 degrees below the norm), and in Ayangar, it was 26.3 degrees Celsius (1.6 degrees above the norm).
According to meteorological service forecasts, light rains may begin in Delhi from Friday, and cloudy weather will persist in the city. Despite the lack of precipitation on Wednesday, the temperature remained above the norm, confirmed by the maximum of 36.1 degrees Celsius in Safdarjung. Light rains expected to start on Friday are anticipated to bring about a change in weather conditions.
In addition to temperature, the air quality situation in Delhi was noted. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), on Wednesday at 4:00 PM, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reached 128. According to the CPCB classification, an AQI from 0 to 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 is 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 is 'moderate', 201 to 300 is 'poor', 301 to 400 is 'very poor', and 401 to 500 is 'hazardous'. Thus, on Wednesday, the air quality in the capital was in the 'moderate' category. With high temperatures persisting, meteorologists predict the onset of light rainfall on Friday, after which cloudiness is expected in Delhi.