India, June 10 -- The capital sizzled under a relentless sun on Monday, recording its hottest day of the season. Safdarjung - the city's base station - logged a scorching 43.4degC, three degrees above normal, while Ayanagar breached the heatwave threshold at 45.3degC, triggering widespread discomfort across the city. The previous season-high was 42.3degC, recorded on May 16.

According to the IMD, a heatwave is declared when temperatures exceed 40degC with a departure of at least 4.5degC from normal, or cross 45degC - as Ayanagar did on Monday.

The swelter wasn't just numerical. Delhi's 'real feel' temperature - factoring in humidity - soared to 49degC by mid-afternoon, trapping residents in stifling concrete pockets. Humidity ranged fro...