The heatwave that has scorched Delhi for the past two days is expected to worsen today, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a 'orange' alert, warning that temperatures in some parts of the city may reach 46-47 degrees Celsius.
The maximum temperature at Delhi's Safdarjung Observatory is expected to be 44 degrees Celsius, up from 42.5 degrees Celsius on Friday.
The temperature at Najafgarh in Delhi reached 46.1 degrees Celsius on Friday. Maximum temperatures in Jafarpur and Mungeshpur were 45.6 degrees Celsius and 45.4 degrees Celsius, respectively, six degrees above normal for this time of year.
Pitampura in Delhi also experienced heatwave conditions, with a maximum temperature of 44.7 degrees Celsius.
A 'yellow' alert has been issued to warn of a heatwave on Sunday. For weather warnings, the IMD employs four colour codes: green (no action required), yellow (watch and stay updated), orange (be prepared), and red (take action).
Next week, cloudy skies and thunder may provide some relief from the extreme heat.
With few rains due to weak western disturbances, Delhi had its second hottest April since 1951, with a monthly maximum temperature of 40.2 degrees Celsius. A heatwave at the end of the month had raised the temperature to 46 and 47 degrees Celsius in several parts of the city.
A heatwave is declared when an area has a maximum temperature of 45 degrees Celsius based on absolute recorded temperatures.
A severe heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature exceeds 47 degrees Celsius.
