Delhi braces for season's first heatwave, mercury could cross 45°C; IMD issues yellow alert

India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues 'yellow' alert for Saturday, predicting heatwave conditions in Delhi with temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius. The Met department defines a heatwave day as when the maximum temperature is 4.5 degrees or more above normal, with a minimum of 40 degrees Celsius. Dry and hot westerly winds are blowing in the city, with no rain predicted due to the lack of western disturbance. Maximum temperature recorded at 41.2 degrees Celsius in Safdarjung, with Najafgarh reaching 43.8 degrees Celsius. The highest day temperature reported this year was 44 degrees Celsius at Sports Complex station. In summer 2023, Safdarjung saw no heatwave. Delhi's air quality remains 'poor' with an AQI of 243. CAQM directs agencies to intensify dust abatement measures and monitor fire instances and open burning of waste in NCR. GRAP's stage I is not implemented, with a focus on dust abatement and preventive measures against open burning. Flying squads of CPCB to intensify inspections for appropriate action against sites flouting norms.