The National capital Delhi, like every year, is seeing a brutal heat wave, with temperatures crossing the 40° mark already. Yet, the city feels much warmer than that, and anyone who steps out says the temperature does not feel any less than 50°.Unfortunately, it gets worse, as the The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the temperature is set to increase further, and a heat wave will soon hit the capital. Let’s dig deeper…
What is ‘Feels-Like’ temperature
The temperature you see on weather apps or news is called the “actual” or “air” temperature. But what your body feels can be very different. This is called the “feels-like” temperature or “real feel.” It takes into account not just the air temperature, but also humidity, wind speed, and sunlight, that can feel more warmer/cooler than it actually is.In terms of heat, if the air is humid, sweat does not evaporate easily, so your body cannot cool itself. This makes you feel hotter than the actual temperature.
Why is Delhi “burning”
High Humidity
Delhi’s humidity levels have been higher than usual this year. When humidity is high, it becomes difficult for sweat to evaporate from your body. This stops your body from cooling down, making you feel much hotter.
The dreaded “loo”
Delhi is also experiencing strong, hot winds called “loo.” These winds come from the desert areas (that are in close proximity to Delhi) and push up the temperature even more. When these winds blow, the air becomes drier and hotter, leading to heatwave conditions. The IMD defines a heatwave as when the temperature is at least 4.5°C above normal.
Urban heat
Delhi, like other metropolises, has tall, concrete structures, with waning greenery. These surfaces absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night. This is called the “urban heat island” effect. As a result, cities like Delhi stay hotter for longer, especially after sunset.
IMD’s Warning: More Hot Days Ahead
The IMD has warned that Delhi and many parts of North India will continue to face extreme heat in the coming days. The department predicts that the temperature could remain above 40°C, and the “feels-like” temperature may go even higher. People are advised to take precautions and avoid going out during the hottest parts of the day.
How to protect yourself
Here are some simple tips to protect yourself from this heatwave:
- Stay indoors during the afternoon, especially between 11 am and 4 pm.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Wear light, loose, and light-colored clothes.
- Use fans, coolers, or air conditioning.
- Take cool showers or wipe your body with a wet cloth.
- Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest hours.
- Eat light meals and avoid spicy or oily food.
