Commuters walk through a mirage on a hot summer day in front of India's presidential palace Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on May 21, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)
NEW DELHI – Several parts of the Indian capital territory Delhi Monday witnessed heatwave conditions as the maximum temperature was recorded at 46 C at a few weather stations.
According to data shared by the regional meteorological center in New Delhi, Southwest Delhi's Najafgarh and the Commonwealth Games Sports Complex, the highest maximum temperature recorded on Monday was 46.2 C.
This is the second day in a row in Najafgarh when the maximum temperature was slightly above 46 C. On Sunday, the area recorded a temperature of 46.3 C.
The observatories at Narela, Pitampura and Pusa recorded over 45 C, while Ayanagar and Ridge reported over 44 C
Weather department officials said a heatwave is recorded when the maximum temperature is 45 C or more.
READ MORE: Why El Nino is a concern for Indian monsoon rains?
The IMD said qualitatively, a heatwave is a condition of air temperature which becomes fatal to the human body when exposed.
The observatories at Narela, Pitampura and Pusa recorded over 45 C, while Ayanagar and Ridge reported over 44 C.
In the wake of the blistering heatwave in the capital, the otherwise bustling streets appeared empty and a decrease in traffic movement was witnessed.
ALSO READ: India's opposition Congress gains key foothold with state election win
Reports said schools have been closed in Maharashtra, Odisha and West Bengal due to heatwave conditions.
The IMD has already issued a heatwave alert for seven states and a discomforting weather forecast for another five states.