India heatwave: Red Alert issued in Delhi-NCR; heavy rainfall expected in Kerala

Delhi-NCR Weather heatwave: The heatwave in northern India continues over the weekend with Delhi and surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) reeling under rising temperature. The mercury breached 45 degree Celsius mark on Saturday (May 18) across 10 weather stations.

In northwestern Delhi, Mungeshpur weather station recorded day temperature of 46.8 degree Celsius. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'Red' alert for Sunday (May 20) and an 'Orange' alert has been issued from May 20 to May 22.

Delhi is set to vote on May 25 in the ongoing general elections. 

Also watch | India: Heatwave in Punjab, Haryana & Delhi to last until May 21

The met department said that "there is a very high likelihood of developing heat illness and heat stroke in all ages" on Sunday (May 19). 

Delhi NCR heatwave: What next?

The heat spell in the region is expected to continue over next week till May 22. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 45 degree Celsius.

A few weather stations, like Mungeshpur, are expected to record temperatures upward of 45 degrees.

Delhi weather in recent days

On Saturday (May 18), the maximum temperature at the Safdarjung Observatory, Delhi’s base station, stood at 43.7°C, three notches above normal, making it the highest recorded day temperature of the season so far. 

The mercury breached 45°C at Ridge in north Delhi (45.5°C), Ayanagar (45.2°C), Gurugram (45°C), Faridabad (45.8°C), Jafarpur in southwest Delhi (45.6°C), Mungeshpur (46.8°C), Najafgarh (46.7°C), Noida (45.6°C), Pitampura (46.1°C) and Pusa (46°C). On Friday, Najafgarh was the warmest station in the country at 47.4°C.

Also read | Heatwave to intensify in north India, south to see rainfall: IMD, Climate Central warn

IMD considers a heatwave if the maximum temperature touches 45°C or above. A heatwave day is also declared when the maximum is 4.5 degrees or more than normal, and the maximum is at least 40°C. A 'severe' heatwave is declared when the maximum is 6.5 degrees or more above normal.

"As per Delhi’s climatology, the peak temperature is recorded during this time of the year," an official was quoted as saying by The Times of India. 

"Heat wave to severe heat wave conditions are likely to continue over the plains of northwest India, including Delhi, during the next five days," IMD said in its bulletin.

Elsewhere in the country, IMD has issued 'Red' alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall for Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Kottayam districts for Sunday. Orange alert has been issued for the Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts.

(With inputs from agencies)