No respite from heat wave: North India bakes at 48°C; temperature in Delhi reaches 46°C

Delhi experienced searing heat on Thursday with the minimum temperature settling at 31.9 degrees Celsius, 5.2 notches above the season's average.

The India Meteorological Department has predicted a heat wave for the day and the maximum temperature is expected to settle at 46 degrees Celsius.

The air quality was recorded in the 'moderate' category at 9 am on Thursday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 153, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.

According to the CPCB, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'.

Heatwave in North India

North India is reeling under an intense heatwave, with Uttar Pradesh's Banda district recording the highest temperature in the country at 48 degrees Celsius, 4.5 notches above normal on Wednesday.

In Delhi, the Ridge base station recorded the maximum temperature at 45.8 degrees, making it the hottest location in the national capital.

Power demand increases

India's peak power demand surged to a new all-time high of 265.44 GW on Wednesday, marking the third consecutive day of record-breaking electricity usage as a blistering heatwave grips large parts of the country driving up air-conditioner and cooler consumption.

The fresh record was achieved at 3:45 pm (1545 hours), according to the Ministry of Power. It surpassed Tuesday’s previous high of 260.45 GW, which itself had eclipsed Monday’s record of 257.37 GW.

(With PTI, DHNS inputs)