Weather Update: IMD issues ‘red’ alert for heatwave as capital sizzles
PTC News Desk: On Tuesday, June 18, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a ‘red’ advisory for Delhi because of a strong heatwave that is likely to affect the nation’s capital, with highs of 45 degrees Celsius. The highest temperature on Monday was 45.2 degrees Celsius, despite the weather office’s prediction of some respite from the oppressive heat of June 19.
The meteorological bureau has predicted mostly clear skies and scorching to extremely hot temperatures throughout much of Delhi on Tuesday. Additionally, it has forecasted severe surface winds for the day.
The IMD’s seven-day prediction indicates that Delhi would see a little respite starting on Wednesday. On Wednesday and Thursday, the nation’s capital is anticipated to be under “yellow” alert; on Friday, it is likely to be under “green” alert.
The national capital will also be impacted and provided with relief by a new western disturbance that is expected to approach northwest India after Wednesday, according to the IMD.
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In most of Uttar Pradesh between June 18 and 19, in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi on June 18, in isolated areas of Himachal Pradesh and Bihar on June 18, and in subsequent regions, heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are very likely, according to the IMD weather bulletin. The intensity of the heatwave will then likely decrease.
The majority of Delhi’s locations reported heatwave to severe heatwave conditions on Monday. The national capital’s main meteorological station, Safdarjung observatory, recorded a peak temperature of 45.2 degrees Celsius, 6.4 degrees above the season’s normal. Monday morning was likewise warm, with the lowest temperature reaching 33 degrees Celsius—5.5 degrees above average.
The highest temperature ever recorded at the Palam weather station was 46 degrees Celsius, seven degrees above average; readings at the Lodhi Road, Ridge, and Ayanagar observatories were 45.6, 46.3, and 46.4 degrees, respectively.
With a seven-degree Celsius temperature increase, the Najafgarh observatory recorded a high of 46.3 degrees Celsius.
When a meteorological station records a high temperature of at least 40 degrees Celsius in the plains, 37 degrees in coastal areas, and 30 degrees in hilly regions, and the deviation from normal is at least 4.5 notches, it is considered a heat wave.
When issuing weather warnings, the IMD utilises four colour codes: orange (be ready), red (take action), yellow (watch and stay updated), and green (no action needed).