New Delhi: Delhi residents reeled under intense heat on Sunday as the mercury climbed past the 40 degrees Celsius mark for the first time this June.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the capital’s main weather station at Safdarjung recorded a maximum temperature of 42.1°C, while the Palam station reported 42.6°C.

The highest temperature was recorded in south Delhi’s Aya Nagar, where the mercury soared to 44.1°C.

Other parts of the city also experienced scorching heat, with temperatures reaching 42.3°C at Lodi Road and 42.9°C in the central ridge region.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for the next four days, cautioning people to take necessary measures to avoid heat-related ailments.

It warned that daytime temperatures are expected to climb up to 44°C in the coming days, accompanied by high humidity, which will worsen the discomfort. Nights, too, are expected to stay hot and offer little relief.

However, there may be some reprieve on the horizon.

The weather office has forecast the possibility of thunderstorms towards the end of the week, likely beginning after Thursday.

These may help bring down temperatures and offer relief from the prevailing heatwave-like conditions.