“48°C by Next Week? Why Rajasthan’s Heat Surge Could Spill Into Delhi and NCR Sooner Than Expected
North India is entering an early season of extreme heat (as of January), and this is evidenced by the already noticeable increase in temperature. In Rajasthan (the hottest area of India), we are starting to see temperatures approach 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit), and estimates predict temperatures will continue to rise.
Why Rajasthan Heats Up First (And Fastest)
Rajasthan is the heart of northern India.
- The desert floor heats up quickly
- Clear-skied days provide direct sunlight and uninterrupted solar energy
- Hot winds (called loo) accumulate and intensify
How That Heat Reaches Delhi
Heat does not randomly move into a geographic area; there is a defined atmospheric route through which heat moves:
1. Hot Westerly Winds
Very strong westerly winds blow from Rajasthan to Delhi-NCR, heating it quickly.
2. The Expansion of the Heat Wave
As per the IMD, there is already a heat wave present in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi at the same time; the heat is now moving throughout the region rather than from individual hotspots.
3. High-Pressure System
The high-pressure system causing the heat in northern India prevents the cooling and accumulation of heat in the regions surrounding the state line by trapping warm air above it.
What Happens Next Week
If these conditions remain unchanged:
- Rajasthan will likely approach extreme heat levels (48 degrees);
- For several days, we might experience temperatures over 45 degrees in the national capital region.
- The heat will feel worse than average due to the warmer overnight air temperature combined with dry air blowing in from the west.
Why This Matters for You
These increases in ambient air temperature will not only affect the comfort level of individuals, but they can also affect the safety and productivity of workers, as well as the way everyone goes about their business daily.
In addition, when combined with several days of extreme heat, the risk of heat sickness or exhaustion increases (for example, working in a mechanics shop during this extreme heat will increase your risk of heat sickness) or may cause businesses and employees to change their work hours (for instance, if your company experiences several consecutive days of extreme heat, your company will likely change their working hours to avoid this heat).
Final Words
The combination of the increasing temperature and humidity in Rajasthan has created a North Indian regional heatwave and, unless things change quickly, many areas of the north India region will experience very warm and humid weather over the next week, which means that next week will likely one of the most difficult weeks of the year.
FAQs
1) Can Rajasthan’s heat impact Delhi?
Yes, either through hot air blowing from Rajasthan into Delhi or because of the weather system in the surrounding region.
2) Will Delhi’s temperatures reach 48 degrees as well?
No, but Delhi will experience extreme heat next week with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees.
3) Is this normal for the months of April-May?
In some ways, yes; however, the extreme temperatures currently being experienced in Rajasthan are earlier and more intense than normal for April-May.
4) When will the temperature drop to a more reasonable level?
There may be some temporary dips in temperature over the next few days; however, the temperature will not permanently decrease until the arrival of the monsoon season.
