Delhi experienced its hottest day of the year so far as the mercury soared to a scorching 47.4 degrees Celsius in the Najafgarh area, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Najafgarh emerged as the hottest location across the nation on Friday.
At the Safdarjung weather station, a key marker for the city’s weather, the maximum temperature surged over three notches above normal, reaching 43.6 degrees Celsius.
An orange alert has been issued by the weather department for the national capital, indicating the likelihood of heatwave conditions persisting in some areas over the next two days.
Heatwave Grips Northern Regions, Residents Brace for Sweltering Conditions
Severe heatwave conditions have gripped several parts of northern India, including Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, and pockets of Rajasthan. In Delhi alone, eight stations recorded temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius, leaving residents sweltering in the intense heat.
Weather Forecast: Thunderstorms Expected in Andhra Pradesh, Monsoon Advancement Likely
The weather department forecasts thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds in parts of Andhra Pradesh for four days starting from May 17. Moreover, regions including north coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, South Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Rayalaseema are expected to receive rainfall with gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 50 km per hour.
Further, the onset of the southwest monsoon is anticipated in the South Andaman Sea, parts of the southeast Bay of Bengal, and the Nicobar Islands around May 19.
Chandigarh, Haryana Roast Under Heatwave Conditions
Chandigarh witnessed scorching temperatures, with the mercury touching 44.5 degrees Celsius on Friday. Heatwave conditions prevailed in Haryana and Punjab, with cities like Rohtak, Sirsa, Hisar, Karnal, and Ambala recording temperatures well above normal.
Rajasthan’s Barmer Registers Highest Temperature
The heatwave continued to scorch Rajasthan, with Barmer recording the highest temperature in the state at 46.5 degrees Celsius on Friday.