Heat wave scorches Delhi; temp soars to 46 degrees C at Palam

A sweltering heat wave continued to sweep Delhi on Monday, with maximum temperature breaching 46 degrees Celsius-mark in some areas. Safdarjung Observatory recorded a high of 44 degrees Celsius, four tches above rmal. wear stations at Palam, Lodhi Ro and Aya Nagar recorded ir respective maximums at 46.2 degrees, 44 degrees and 45.6 degrees Celsius respectively.

India Meteorological Department has issued an 'orange' warning for parts of Delhi on Tuesday. An 'orange' warning is issued for a heat wave, while a 'red' warning is issued for a severe heat wave.

"Mainly clear sky. Strong surface winds (20-30 kilometers per hour) during day. Heat wave at a few places," an IMD forecast said.

In large areas, a heat wave is declared when maximum temperature is 45 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days and a severe heat wave is when mercury touches 47 degrees-mark for two days on trot. In small areas like Delhi, heat wave is declared if temperature soars to 45 degrees Celsius even for a day, according to IMD.

Kuldeep Srivastava, he of regional forecasting centre of IMD, said some respite from stifling heat was expected on Thursday due to a fresh western disturbance and easterly winds at lower levels. Dust storm and thunderstorm with winds gusting up to 60 kilometres per hour is likely over National Capital Region on Friday and Saturday, Srivastava said.