Delhi heat index reaches 51.3 degrees Celsius amid monsoon delay
High humidity in the Indian capital caused 'feels like' temperatures to reach record highs on Saturday. Forecasters expect rain and a gradual drop in temperature beginning Monday as the official monsoon season remains delayed.
Amalgamated from Livemint (opens in new tab), News18 (opens in new tab), Times of India (opens in new tab)
Delhi recorded heat index levels between 48.4 degrees Celsius and 51.3 degrees Celsius on Saturday, according to reports from Livemint and the Times of India. While the actual maximum temperature reached 41.3 degrees Celsius, high humidity levels caused the 'feels like' measurement to reach a season-high.
The minimum temperature in the capital was recorded at 30.8 degrees Celsius, which exceeded seasonal averages by approximately 2.9 degrees. These conditions resulted in uncomfortably warm nights for residents during the ongoing heatwave.
According to News18, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects maximum temperatures to remain between 39 degrees Celsius and 41 degrees Celsius until Monday. Following this period, forecasts suggest a gradual decline to between 33 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius.
While the arrival of the monsoon season is currently delayed, the Times of India reports that a yellow rain alert has been issued for the next two days. This alert accompanies expectations for light rain and gusty winds beginning Monday, which may provide some relief from the prolonged heat.