Delhi hits year's highest temperature at 39.1°C; orange alert issued for hill states

New Delhi, April 11: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday said Delhi experienced its highest maximum temperature of the year on Wednesday, reaching 39.1 degrees Celsius. This temperature was four degrees higher than the seasonal average.

Besides, the minimum temperature in the national capital was recorded at 17 degrees Celsius, three degrees below the seasonal average. The IMD anticipates a slight break in the heat with 'light' to 'very light' rainfall expected over the weekend, along with thunderstorms. The forecast for Thursday includes a partly cloudy sky, with maximum and minimum temperatures projected to be 39 and 19 degrees Celsius, respectively.

The IMD issued an 'orange alert' for Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh due to the possibility of heavy rainfall or snowfall over the weekend. Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh may experience isolated heavy rainfall or snowfall, ranging from 64.5 to 115.5mm, on April 13 and 14. Himachal Pradesh is also likely to see isolated heavy rainfall or snowfall on April 14.

The weather department has also warned of possible hailstorms in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan on April 13. Similarly, western Uttar Pradesh and eastern Rajasthan are on alert for hailstorms on April 14. Central India may experience a light to moderate rainfall spell with thunderstorms, gusty winds, and hailstorms from April 10 to 12. The IMD also predicts isolated hailstorms for eastern Madhya Pradesh and the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra on April 11 and 12.

These weather changes across various regions of India are indicative of the ongoing transition from winter to summer, with different areas experiencing a mix of unseasonably high temperatures, thunderstorms, and potential hailstorms. The IMD's forecasts provide critical information to help residents and authorities prepare for the impending weather conditions and ensure safety.