New Delhi, May 18 -- Delhi experienced severe heat on Monday, with the temperature soaring to 44 degrees Celsius.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in the national capital for Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Hindustan Times.

As per the IMD, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature exceeds 40degC and is at least 4.5degC above the seasonal average. It is also classified as a heatwave if the temperature reaches 45degC or higher, regardless of how much it deviates from normal. A "severe" heatwave is declared when the temperature is 6.5degC or more above the normal level.

The IMD officially announces a heatwave only if these conditions are observed at a minimum of two ...