(HT)
The maximum temperature in the Capital is expected to rise by two to three degrees Celsius by the weekend due to a combination of clear skies and dry westerly winds, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said, as it issued a yellow alert for a possible heatwave on Friday and Saturday.
On Wednesday, Delhi clocked a maximum of 39.6°C, which was two degrees above normal. According to forecasts, the maximum is set to be in the 40-42°C range on Friday and Saturday, officials said. “A gradual rise in temperature is expected…with the maximum possibly touching 42-43°C by Saturday,” an IMD official said.
IMD classifies weather conditions as a heatwave when the maximum is over 40°C, alongside a departure of 4.5°C or more than normal at the higher end. It is also a heatwave if the maximum is over 45°C in the plains.
Nights are also set to get warmer. The minimum was clocked at 19.7°C on Wednesday. Forecasts show it is expected to be 23-25°C by Saturday.
