Heatwave – Delhi Braces for Intensifying Temperatures Under Orange Weather Alert
Heatwave – Delhi witnessed its first officially recorded heatwave day of May on Tuesday as scorching sunlight and dry winds drove temperatures beyond 45 degrees Celsius across several parts of the city. The India Meteorological Department has warned that the harsh weather is expected to continue over the next few days, issuing an orange alert valid until May 25.
Delhi’s primary weather station at Safdarjung reported a maximum temperature of 45.1 degrees Celsius, which was nearly five degrees above the seasonal average. The reading also marked a noticeable rise from the previous day, reflecting the rapid intensification of heat conditions in the capital.
Multiple Areas Report Temperatures Above 45 Degrees
Other monitoring centres across the city also registered extremely high daytime temperatures. The Palam station recorded the same maximum temperature of 45.1 degrees Celsius, remaining well above normal for this time of year. Officials noted that the area saw a sharp increase in temperature within the last 24 hours.
At Lodhi Road, the mercury climbed slightly higher to 45.2 degrees Celsius. According to meteorological standards, the station officially entered heatwave conditions due to the large deviation from average temperatures. The situation was even more severe at the Ridge observatory, which emerged as the hottest location in Delhi with a maximum temperature of 46.5 degrees Celsius.
Ayanagar also remained under intense heat, with temperatures reaching 45.5 degrees Celsius. Weather experts said the widespread rise in temperatures across all stations indicates a strong and persistent heat pattern affecting the region.
Night Temperatures Also Remain Unusually High
The discomfort continued after sunset as minimum temperatures stayed above normal levels in several parts of the city. Safdarjung recorded a minimum temperature of 28.2 degrees Celsius, which was significantly higher than average nighttime conditions for May.
Similarly, Palam and Ridge both reported minimum temperatures around 28 degrees Celsius. The warmer nights have added to public discomfort, especially for residents without access to cooling facilities. Experts warn that elevated nighttime temperatures reduce the body’s ability to recover from prolonged daytime heat exposure.
IMD Explains Heatwave Conditions
According to the India Meteorological Department, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature crosses 40 degrees Celsius and remains substantially above the normal range for the season. Several weather stations in Delhi fulfilled these criteria on Tuesday, leading officials to classify conditions as severe.
Meteorologists attribute the current weather pattern to dry northwesterly winds and clear skies that are allowing direct solar heating throughout the day. The absence of rainfall and moisture has further intensified the impact of the heat.
Authorities Urge Residents to Take Precautions
Health experts and civic agencies have advised people to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours. Residents have been encouraged to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and remain indoors whenever possible.
The orange alert issued by the weather office suggests that vulnerable groups, including children, senior citizens, and individuals with existing medical conditions, could face health risks if precautions are ignored. Emergency services and hospitals are also expected to remain alert as temperatures are likely to stay extremely high over the coming days.
Weather officials are continuing to monitor the situation closely, with forecasts indicating little immediate relief from the prevailing heat conditions in the national capital.