Delhi recorded a maximum temperature above 40 degrees Celsius for the second consecutive day on Tuesday as the city braced for yet another heatwave day. The city is currently under a Yellow alert, which will remain in place till Wednesday. Safdarjung, the city’s primary weather station, recorded a high of 41 degrees Celsius, 5.9 notches above normal. The minimum temperature settled at 22.4 degrees Celsius, 2.4 notches above the season’s average, according to the IMD.

Ayanagar weather station recorded 40.4 degrees Celsius, Ridge 39.8 degrees Celsius, Palam 39.6 degrees Celsius, and Lodhi Road 39.3 degrees Celsius, it said. “Heatwave conditions were realised over Ayanagar and Safdarjung,” an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said.

The IMD defines a heatwave day when the maximum temperature is 4.5 degrees or more above the normal temperature and the maximum is at least 40 degrees Celsius. A heatwave is also considered if the maximum temperature reaches 45 degrees Celsius or above. A ‘severe’ heatwave is declared when the maximum is 6.5 degrees or more above normal. While IMD predicted that heatwave conditions will persist in the national capital till Wednesday, it is likely that Delhi may get a slight respite from the scorching heat this week itself.

The weather department has advised residents to avoid heat exposure, wear lightweight, light-coloured and loose cotton clothes, and cover their heads with a cloth, hat or umbrella when outdoors. Delhi recorded its first heatwave of the season on Monday, with the maximum temperature touching 40.2 degrees Celsius —the highest so far this year.

When IMD issues Yellow alert for heat waves, it indicates that heat will be moderate and tolerable for most people, however, there could be moderate health concerns for vulnerable people including infants, elderly, or people with chronic illnesses. People are advised to avoid heat exposure, wear light weight, light coloured, loose, cotton clothes and cover their head with a cloth or umbrella while going out in the Sun.

An Orange alert means higher temperatures and increased risk in heat related symptoms in people who are exposed to the Sun for long or are engaged in heavy physical work. People are advised to keep cool, avoid dehydration by drinking water, ORS, lemon water and more. A Red alert means that the likelihood of developing heat related illness or a heat stroke is very high in people of all ages, requiring extreme care for those vulnerable.

The health department has advised that anyone showing such symptoms should be taken to a medical facility without delay. Stressing the importance of staying hydrated, the advisory recommends drinking plenty of fluid — even in the absence of thirst. People have been urged to carry water while going outdoors and use safe drinking water sources such as boiled or RO-filtered water.

Consumption of seasonal fruits and vegetables that have high water content — such as watermelon, cucumber, oranges, lemons and tomatoes — has been encouraged to maintain hydration levels and replenish essential nutrients, as per the advisory. To reduce the risk of exposure to the sun, citizens have been advised to remain indoors during the peak heat hours between 12 noon and 3 pm, it said.

If stepping out is unavoidable, it is recommended that people should wear loose-fitting, light-coloured cotton clothes, and cover their head with a scarf, cap or umbrella.  The use of sunglasses has also been advised for protection against UV rays. People are also being told to keep their homes well-ventilated during the cooler parts of the day and to keep windows, doors and curtains shut during peak heat hours to reduce indoor temperatures.

The advisory specifically highlighted that children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and individuals with chronic illnesses face heightened risks during heatwaves. It said for people working in construction, agriculture or similar outdoor jobs, the government has recommended shifting work hours to early morning or late evening to avoid exposure to extreme heat. Workers should be given access to cool drinking water and shaded rest areas at their job sites, as per the advisory.

It also encouraged the creation of temporary shelters and the adoption of a “buddy system”, where workers look out for one another and report early signs of heat-related illnesses.

The authorities have been instructed to make arrangements for oral rehydration points at workplaces and ensure that the staff remains well-hydrated by consuming water every 20 minutes. Also, awareness campaigns are being pushed to educate people about the preventive measures and early warning signs of heat-related illnesses. The advisory also said that workplaces should consider reducing the pace of physically demanding tasks or increasing the number of workers to reduce individual workload during periods of extreme heat.

Pregnant women and those with existing medical conditions have been asked to consult their doctors before continuing any outdoor acting during heatwave

conditions. Those living in urban slums and poorly-ventilated homes have been urged to take additional care, with focus on maintaining cleanliness, hydration and proper ventilation.