Weather – Delhi Records Hottest May Night in Nearly Fourteen Years
Weather – Residents of Delhi faced another difficult day on Thursday as soaring temperatures continued to grip the national capital. The city recorded its warmest May night in almost 14 years, with the minimum temperature settling at 31.9 degrees Celsius. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this was 5.2 degrees above the seasonal average, reflecting the severity of the ongoing heat conditions across the region.
Warmest Night Since 2012
Weather officials stated that Delhi had not witnessed such a high overnight temperature in May since May 26, 2012, when the minimum temperature was recorded at 32.5 degrees Celsius. The unusually high nighttime temperature has reduced relief for residents who are already dealing with extreme daytime heat.
The IMD has also warned that heatwave conditions are expected to persist throughout the day, with the maximum temperature likely to reach around 46 degrees Celsius. Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure during afternoon hours and stay hydrated.
Several Areas Witnessed Warm Night Conditions
Among the city’s major weather monitoring centres, Safdarjung recorded the highest minimum temperature at 31.9 degrees Celsius. The reading was significantly above normal for this time of the year. Other stations also reported elevated nighttime temperatures, indicating widespread heat stress across the capital.
The Ridge area registered a minimum temperature of 30.6 degrees Celsius, while Palam recorded 30.5 degrees Celsius. Lodi Road saw the mercury settle at 29.6 degrees Celsius, and Ayanagar reported 27.4 degrees Celsius.
According to IMD guidelines, a “warm night” is declared when the maximum temperature remains at or above 40 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature is between 4.5 and 6.4 degrees Celsius higher than normal. Both Safdarjung and Lodi Road fulfilled the required conditions for such classification.
Orange Alert Issued Across Delhi
The weather department has placed Delhi under an orange alert due to the intense heatwave situation. The alert indicates potentially dangerous weather conditions that could affect health, particularly for children, elderly citizens, and people with existing medical conditions.
Experts have noted that prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to dehydration, exhaustion, and heatstroke. Citizens have been encouraged to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours, wear light clothing, and consume sufficient fluids.
The ongoing rise in temperature has also increased pressure on electricity demand across the city, with heavy usage of air conditioners and cooling appliances expected during the coming days.
Air Quality Remains in Moderate Category
Despite the severe heat, Delhi’s air quality remained in the “moderate” category on Thursday morning. Data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 153 at 9 am.
Under CPCB standards, an AQI between 101 and 200 falls within the moderate category. While this level does not pose serious risks for most healthy individuals, people with respiratory conditions may still experience mild discomfort after prolonged outdoor exposure.
The CPCB classifies AQI levels between zero and 50 as “good,” 51 to 100 as “satisfactory,” 201 to 300 as “poor,” 301 to 400 as “very poor,” and readings above 400 as “severe.”
Heatwave Likely to Continue
Meteorologists believe that dry winds and clear skies are contributing to the prolonged heatwave conditions over northwestern parts of India, including Delhi. With temperatures expected to remain extremely high in the coming days, authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
Health experts continue to urge residents to take precautions, especially during daytime hours when temperatures are expected to peak. Schools, offices, and public service departments have also been advised to remain cautious amid the ongoing weather conditions.