Delhi-NCR sizzles as Palam records 45.2 degree Celsius

NEW DELHI: The maximum temperature in the national capital breached the 45-degree Celsius mark, five degrees above the season's average.

In what may be seen as a warning due to climate change, The MeT department pointed out that Thursday's maximum temperatures in select areas were alarmingly above average. In its report, the MeT department said it had observed an increase of more than 5 degrees Celsius above what is considered normal for this time of year. Some of the regions which recorded the steepest rise in 'above-normal temperatures include parts of Uttrakhand and Himachal Pradesh, which saw a rise of between 3.1 and 5 degrees Celsius above normal.

Delhi remained one of the worst affected areas with Palam, which borders Gurgaon, recording a maximum temperature of 45.2 degree Celsius, five degrees above the season's average. Palam became the warmest region across the National Capital. Gurugram and Faridabad followed at 44 degrees.

Later in the day, the weather department warned the residents of Delhi-NCR that 43 to 45 degrees are only a sign of what's to come in the week ahead. The MeT department report stated that north, central and east India are set to face a severe heatwave until the end of the month. For Delhi, it warned of a mega heatwave over the next five days.

"Heatwave conditions are very likely to persist over parts of north, northwest, central and east India between May 23 to 27," an official from India Meteorological Department said. May 27 however, is unlikely to give any relief from the heat. Continuing his statement, the MeT department official warned that an "intense heatwave is likely to grip the National Capital between May 27 to 29." According to weather analysts, respite from the excessive heat may only come towards the end of the month - that too temporarily. "Easterly winds may cause overcast conditions with mild dust storms. There is a likelihood of lightning and thunder, but that will not have any effect on the temperatures," said an official.

On Wednesday, heat wave conditions were reported from many parts of Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi. Western Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Vidharbha also faced similar conditions, as did eastern parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.