Delhi Cooks at 41.7°C: Capital Records Hottest Day of Season as Heatwave Looms

New Delhi, April 24 (TNA) The union capital on Thursday recorded the hottest day of the season so far, with the mercury soaring to 41.7°C at the Safdarjung weather station – about four degrees above normal for this time of year. Unrelenting sun and hot, gusty winds left residents sweltering through the day, as a sharp spike in temperature gripped almost every corner of the national capital.

The Ridge area emerged as the city’s hottest spot, with the thermometer hitting 43°C, roughly 4.6°C above average. Other key locations also reported scorching conditions, with temperatures recorded at 41.6°C in Palam, 41.4°C at Lodhi Road, and 41.7°C in Ayanagar, underscoring the uniformity of the heat across Delhi.

The discomfort did not ease after sunset. Minimum temperatures remained unusually high, turning the night into one of the hottest of the season. At Safdarjung, the night temperature stood at 25.4°C, around 2.7°C above normal, while readings of 25.6°C in Palam, 23°C at Lodhi Road, 25.4°C on the Ridge, and 25.2°C in Ayanagar reinforced the city’s heat‑stressed atmosphere.

Despite the extreme readings, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has not yet declared a heatwave. Officials explained that a heatwave is officially recognised only when specific criteria are met at at least two weather stations for two consecutive days. According to IMD norms, a heatwave is defined as a period when the maximum temperature exceeds 40°C and is 4.5 to 6.4°C above normal.

However, the weather department has warned of a possible heatwave‑like situation over the next two days, with temperatures poised to climb further. A brief respite may arrive by April 26, when partly cloudy skies, rain, and thunderstorms are forecast, bringing some relief to the parched city.