As Delhi battles scorching temperatures under the grip of an intense heatwave, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) offers a glimmer of hope with a forecast of light rain on Friday, June 14. The anticipated rainfall could provide much-needed relief from the blistering heat engulfing the national capital. On Thursday, the Safdarjung Observatory, serving as the citys official weather marker, recorded a maximum temperature of 44.8 degrees Celsius, soaring 4.9 degrees above normal. Meanwhile, the Najafgarh weather station reported a high of 45.1 degrees Celsius.Narela registers highest temperatureAcross various regions of Delhi, extreme temperatures prevailed, with Narela registering 45.3 degrees Celsius, Aya Nagar at 46.4 degrees, Ridge at 43.3 degrees, and Palam at 45.8 degrees, according to the latest IMD bulletin. The city remained under an orange alert, signaling the imperative need for preparedness against severe weather conditions, as relative humidity levels fluctuated between 15 per cent and 58 per cent.Soaring temperatures in these states Earlier in the week, soaring temperatures plagued several states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Chandigarh, Jharkhand, Haryana, and Rajasthan, where mercury levels ranged between 45-47 degrees Celsius. Kanpur, in Uttar Pradesh, recorded a staggering high of 47.5 degrees Celsius amidst prevailing heatwave conditions.Heatwave to continue till June 17 The IMDs forecast predicts the persistence of heatwave to severe heatwave conditions from June 13 to June 17 in various parts of Uttar Pradesh, with alerts issued for Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand from June 13 to June 15. Similar conditions are anticipated to continue in the Delhi-Haryana-Chandigarh region and parts of Punjab until June 17, with isolated severe heatwave pockets projected for June 16 and 17.Heavy rainfall expected Meanwhile, heavy rainfall in recent days wreaked havoc in several regions, including parts of Goa, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. Today, heavy rains triggered the swelling of the Teesta River in West Bengal, exacerbating flooding concerns. In North Sikkim, devastating landslides claimed one life, while five individuals remain missing. Continuous rainfall throughout Wednesday night exacerbated conditions, leading to inundation of key roads in Teesta Bazar and surrounding areas, linking Darjeeling and Kalimpong.Rainfall expected in Delhi As Delhi braces for potential rainfall amidst scorching temperatures, the IMDs forecast offers a ray of hope for residents grappling with the ongoing heatwave. However, across various parts of the country, heavy rainfall continues to pose challenges, exacerbating flooding and landslide risks, highlighting the need for preparedness and swift response measures.
