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While the recorded air temperature in the capital hovered around 46 degrees Celsius, the oppressive humidity levels pushed the heat index to levels rarely seen in the city
Delhi Heatwave | File Image/PTI
The national capital reeled under a searing heatwave on Thursday as the city’s ‘feels like’ temperature — or heat index — shot up to a staggering 54.4 degrees Celsius, the highest so far this season.
The sweltering conditions, driven by high humidity and air temperatures, have prompted a red alert from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), with officials warning that no significant relief is expected before Sunday.
According to weather experts, while the recorded air temperature in the capital hovered around 46 degrees Celsius, the oppressive humidity levels pushed the heat index to levels rarely seen in the city.
“The high heat index reflects both temperature and relative humidity and directly impacts how the human body perceives the heat,” an IMD official was quoted as saying by TOI.
Neighbouring regions, including parts of Haryana and Punjab, also reported extreme conditions. Gurgaon recorded its warmest night of the season with a minimum temperature of 30.1 degrees Celsius, while daytime highs in districts like Sirsa and Rohtak touched 48 degrees Celsius.
In Punjab, Bathinda recorded a peak of 46.8 degrees Celsius.
“Usually, we expect some pre-monsoon activity by mid-June, but this year it’s been unusually dry and hot. While light showers and thunderstorms are forecast from Sunday onwards, they may only bring marginal relief,” the IMD official added.
The red alert remains in place for Delhi and surrounding states, with authorities advising residents to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
Medical professionals have also urged the public to watch for signs of heat-related illnesses like heatstroke and dehydration.
The main distinction between temperature and the heat index lies in what they represent: temperature is the actual measured air temperature, whereas the heat index—also called apparent temperature or “feels like” temperature—reflects how hot it feels to the human body.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
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