No respite for Delhi as unprecedented heat continues; IMD issues red warning

Delhi witnessed scorching heat on Saturday (Jun 15) as the maximum temperature was recorded six degrees above the season's average at 44.6 degrees Celsius, officials said as reported by the news agency PTI. Heatwave to severe heatwave occurred at most places in and near Delhi.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red warning till Sunday in Punjab, Haryana, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi amid unprecedented heat.

Aya Nagar in Delhi recorded 46 degrees Celsius while Palam recorded 45 degrees Celsius, officials said.

Similar weather is likely on Sunday, with mainly clear skies and heatwave conditions in several parts of Delhi.

While speaking to Akashwani News, Senior IMD Scientist RK Jenamani said that rising night temperatures can have adverse effects on daily life.

As per initial data, the number of heatwave days is the highest in 10 years, he said.

The capital will be on "orange" alert for the next three days.

As per the IMD colour codes, it means people are advised to "be prepared".

The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 45 and 32 degrees Celsius.

IMD said that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions was observed in most parts of Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, western parts of Gangetic West Bengal, southwest Bihar; many parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh & Odisha and in some parts over north Rajasthan.

It added that heatwave conditions have been observed in many parts of Jammu-Kashmir, East Madhya Pradesh and Northwest Madhya Pradesh.

(With inputs from agencies)