Delhi Records 51.3 Degree Celsius Real Feel Temperature As Humidity Soars

Delhi recorded one of its sultriest days of the summer as the "real feel" temperature, or heat index, soared to 51.3°C due to a combination of high actual temperatures and elevated humidity, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The city also clocked a peak wet-bulb temperature of 29.77°C at 2.30pm on the same day. Weather experts note that a wet-bulb temperature of 32°C or higher makes it difficult for even fit and acclimatised people to work outdoors for long, while a reading of 35°C can lead to heat stroke and collapse as the human body loses its ability to regulate its temperature.

Humidity levels in the capital fluctuated between 35% and 63%. Mahesh Palawat, vice president of Skymet Weather, explained that southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea are currently feeding moisture over northwestern India and Pakistan, driving up humidity. Palawat added that because the monsoon is not yet close, winds are not approaching from the Bay of Bengal, which is keeping the "feels-like" temperature high.

The actual maximum temperature in Delhi reached 41.3°C, which is 4.1°C above the seasonal average. The minimum temperature was recorded at 30.8°C, 2.9°C above normal. The heat index remained high throughout the day, measuring 46.2°C at 11.30am and 47.8°C at 5.30pm.

Relief is expected soon, as the IMD has forecast rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds from Monday to Friday. A yellow alert has been issued for Tuesday and Wednesday. Maximum temperatures are expected to gradually decrease to between 33°C and 35°C by the end of the week, while minimum temperatures are projected to drop to between 21°C and 23°C by Friday.

According to Palawat, scattered rainfall by July 2 or 3 should help reduce the temperatures, with the monsoon expected to arrive in the region after July 4.