Temperature 41°C but Feels Like 51°C – Why?

On Saturday, Delhi’s actual temperature was 41.3°C, about 4 degrees above normal. However, the ‘feels like’ temperature or heat index shot up to 51.3°C — the highest this year.

This difference is due to high humidity. The body cools itself through sweat, but high moisture in the air slows down evaporation, making it feel much hotter.

The wet-bulb temperature in Delhi reached 29.77°C, approaching dangerous levels. At 35°C wet-bulb, the body can no longer cool itself effectively.

High moisture is coming from the Arabian Sea while the Bay of Bengal monsoon branch is yet to reach Delhi. Relief is expected from Monday with rain and strong winds. Monsoon is likely to arrive after July 4.