Delhi-NCR is currently under the grip of a severe heatwave. The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for the next four days in response to the extreme heat conditions.
Schools in Delhi and Noida have been closed, and in Ghaziabad, schools up to the eighth grade are also shut. The scorching heat has led to school closures in Punjab, and school timings have been altered in Himachal Pradesh as well.
On Monday, Delhi experienced the highest power demand of the season due to the intense heat. The day started with bright and intense sunlight, which only grew fiercer as the day progressed, making it difficult for people to venture outside.
The Safdarjung Observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 44.1 degrees Celsius, which is four degrees above normal, and a minimum temperature of 29.2 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal. Najafgarh reported the highest temperature at 47.4 degrees Celsius, followed by Mungeshpur at 47.1 degrees Celsius.
Temperature Overview:
- The minimum temperature at five weather stations in Delhi exceeded 30 degrees Celsius on Monday. The Pitampura weather station recorded the highest minimum temperature at 31.9 degrees Celsius.
Regional Temperatures in NCR:
- Faridabad: 46 degrees Celsius
- Gurugram: 44.8 degrees Celsius
- Noida: 45.6 degrees Celsius
- Pitampura: 31.9 degrees Celsius
- Rajghat: 31.0 degrees Celsius
- Aya Nagar: 30.1 degrees Celsius
- Pusa: 30.9 degrees Celsius
- Najafgarh: 30.5 degrees Celsius
Reason for the Extreme Heat:
The intense heat in the NCR region is primarily due to hot and dry winds blowing from the Thar Desert. Additionally, the absence of any western disturbance is contributing to the relentless heat. This phenomenon is particularly affecting areas like Najafgarh and Mungeshpur more severely.
School Closures:
In light of the rising temperatures, the Directorate of Education has issued immediate orders to close government-aided and private schools until June 30. Government schools have been closed since May 11. The Meteorological Department predicts that the maximum temperature could reach around 46 degrees Celsius by May 25, with wind speeds up to 35 kilometers per hour during this period.
As the heatwave continues to grip Delhi-NCR, residents are advised to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the extreme temperatures and stay hydrated.