Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 21: Delhi recorded its warmest night for the month of May in nearly 14 years on Thursday, with the minimum temperature settling at 31.9 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The last time the national capital witnessed a higher minimum temperature in May was on May 26, 2012, when the mercury had touched 32.5 degrees Celsius.
The IMD said Safdarjung and Lodi Road were among the stations that experienced warm night conditions.
According to IMD criteria, a warm night is declared when the maximum temperature is 40 degrees Celsius or above and the minimum temperature remains between 4.5 degrees Celsius and 6.4 degrees Celsius above normal.
Safdarjung recorded a minimum temperature of 31.9 degrees Celsius, which was 5.2 degrees above normal for the season. Ridge recorded 30.6 degrees Celsius, 4.4 degrees above normal.
Palam registered 30.5 degrees Celsius, 3.4 degrees above normal, while Lodi Road recorded 29.6 degrees Celsius, 4.6 degrees above normal. Ayanagar reported a comparatively lower minimum temperature of 27.4 degrees Celsius, 0.7 degree above normal.
The city has been placed under an orange alert, with the IMD forecasting heatwave conditions and maximum temperatures likely to touch 46 degrees Celsius during the day.
Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ category on Thursday morning. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 153 at 9 am.
As per CPCB standards, an AQI between 101 and 200 falls under the ‘moderate’ category.