Heatwave grips National Capital Region; slight relief expected later this week

A marginal improvement in weather conditions is anticipated from April 28 onwards. Representational Pic/File

The National Capital Region (NCR) is currently in the throes of an intense summer heatwave, with extremely high temperatures disrupting daily life.

According to the latest forecast from the Meteorological Department, Monday's maximum temperature was likely to reach a sweltering 44 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may remain around 27 degrees Celsius. The entire day was expected to remain under the grip of severe heatwave conditions, reported the IANS.

Strong surface winds are predicted during the afternoon, which could exacerbate the already harsh conditions. Even in the evening, hot winds are expected to persist, offering little respite.

The officials have urged residents to avoid stepping outdoors during peak afternoon hours and to remain well hydrated to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration.

Gradual weather shift from April 28

A marginal improvement in weather conditions is anticipated from April 28 onwards. Temperatures are expected to dip slightly, with maximums around 41 degrees Celsius and minimums near 28 degrees Celsius. There is also a possibility of light rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning. Similar conditions are forecast for April 29, with temperatures further easing to around 40 degrees Celsius (maximum) and 26 degrees Celsius (minimum), according to the IANS.

By April 30, partly cloudy skies and potential thunderstorm activity could bring further relief. Temperatures may drop to a more manageable 38 degrees Celsius during the day and around 24 degrees Celsius at night. For May 1 and 2, skies are expected to remain mostly clear, with daytime highs stabilising near 40 degrees Celsius and overnight lows between 24-25 degrees Celsius.

Air Quality remains serious concern

Despite the expected dip in temperatures, air pollution continues to pose a significant threat. Air Quality Index (AQI) levels across several NCR locations remain in the ‘poor' to ‘very poor' categories. Areas such as Anand Vihar (260), Ashok Vihar (212), Bawana (244), and Burari Crossing (235) in Delhi have reported troubling figures, as per the IANS.

In Noida, Knowledge Park-5 recorded an AQI of 263, while Knowledge Park-3 stood at 197. Ghaziabad has reported even worse conditions, with Loni reaching a severe AQI of 353. Other areas including Indirapuram (243), Sanjay Nagar (247), and Vasundhara (244) also remain highly polluted, the news agency reported.

Combined impact

According to the IANS, the experts have cautioned that the dual impact of extreme heat and poor air quality could have serious health implications. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with respiratory conditions are particularly at risk and should take additional precautions.

(with IANS inputs)