Weather update: Delhi logs season's hottest day; heatwave alert issued for next 3 days

Delhi on Tuesday logged its hottest day of the season with the maximum temperature sitting at 39.2 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said, adding that the mercury will soar further in the national capital.

At several places in Delhi NCR, the maximum temperature was recorded at 40 degrees Celsius. Narela recorded a maximum temperature of 41.7 degrees Celsius, 10 degrees above the normal.

The Palam observatory logged a maximum temperature of 39.3 degrees Celsius. Lodhi Road, Ridge, Gurugram, Ayanagar, Najafgarh, Pitampura and Sports Complex logged a maximum temperature of 40.1 degrees Celsius, 40.2 degrees Celsius, 40.8 degrees Celsius, 40.2 degrees Celsius, 40.6 degrees Celsius, 41.4 degrees Celsius and 41.5 degrees Celsius, respectively.

The IMD has also predicted severe heatwave conditions for the next three days, predicting that the maximum temperature is likely to sit at 40 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature is expected to settle at 20 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

The dearth of rainfall in the month of March has led to such intense heat. Usually, the national capital receives 15.9 mm of rainfall in March on an average, according to IMD officials.

In 2021, Delhi had logged a high of 40.1 degrees Celsius on March 30, which was the highest temperature in the month in at least 13 years.

The air quality of the national capital was recorded in the 'poor' (274) category on Tuesday.

An air quality index (AQI) between zero and 50 is deemed 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

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