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Delhi Swelters: Mercury Hits 40.6°C, Heat Index Soars
15 May
Summary
- Mercury reached 40.6°C for the first time this May in Delhi.
- Heat index soared to 42.9°C due to persistent high humidity.
- Maximum temperatures may climb near 44°C by May 18.
New Delhi faced intense heat on Thursday, with the mercury surging past the 40-degree Celsius mark to reach 40.6°C, the highest temperature recorded this May.
Sticky conditions prevailed throughout the day, exacerbated by high humidity levels. The heat index, or 'feels like' temperature, climbed to 42.9°C by late afternoon, according to meteorological data. Despite a yellow alert for light showers, the capital remained dry.
Looking ahead, a feeble western disturbance is expected to influence northwest India from Friday, but its impact on Delhi-NCR is anticipated to be minimal. Experts predict maximum temperatures could approach 44°C by May 18, with readings hovering between 40°C and 42°C until May 17.
This extreme heat is attributed to an anti-cyclonic circulation trapping heat over northwest and central India for the next four to five days. Delhi may witness its warmest day of the season during this period. For context, the city previously recorded a maximum of 42.8°C on April 25 during an earlier heatwave.
