Climate – Delhi Records Hottest May Night in More Than a Decade
Climate – Delhi experienced one of its hottest nights in recent years on Monday as soaring temperatures continued to grip the national capital. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature settled at 32.4 degrees Celsius, which was 5.7 degrees higher than the normal seasonal average for this time of year.
The unusually high nighttime temperature marked the warmest May night recorded in the city in nearly 14 years. Official weather data showed that the last time Delhi witnessed a hotter May night was on May 26, 2012, when the minimum temperature reached 32.5 degrees Celsius.
Night Temperatures Remain Unusually High
The latest weather conditions highlighted the persistence of intense heat across the capital, even after sunset. Earlier this month, Delhi had already experienced exceptionally warm nights, with the minimum temperature touching 31.9 degrees Celsius on May 21.
Multiple weather monitoring centres across the city also reported above-normal nighttime temperatures. At Palam, the minimum temperature was recorded at 30.5 degrees Celsius, while Lodi Road registered 30 degrees Celsius during the night. The Ridge observatory reported 30.6 degrees Celsius, and Ayanagar saw temperatures rise to 32 degrees Celsius overnight.
Meteorologists noted that these figures were significantly above the usual seasonal range, reflecting the ongoing heatwave conditions affecting northern India.
IMD Confirms Warm Night Conditions
Weather officials confirmed that several parts of Delhi met the criteria for what the IMD classifies as “warm night” conditions. Such conditions are officially declared when the daytime temperature reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius and the nighttime temperature remains between 4.5 and 6.4 degrees Celsius above the normal average.
Safdarjung, Lodi Road, and Ayanagar were among the stations where warm night conditions were officially observed.
Experts say persistently high night temperatures can increase discomfort levels and reduce relief from daytime heat, particularly in densely populated urban areas where heat retention remains high after sunset.
Heatwave Alert Issued Across Delhi
The weather department has issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions as temperatures continue to remain extreme. Daytime temperatures in the city are expected to hover around 44 degrees Celsius, raising concerns over prolonged exposure to heat during peak afternoon hours.
Authorities have advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.
The prolonged spell of hot weather has also increased electricity demand in the city as cooling appliances continue running for longer durations.
Dust Storms Impact Air Quality
Alongside the severe heat, parts of Delhi witnessed mild dust storms on Sunday evening. The dusty conditions contributed to a decline in air quality levels across several areas of the capital.
The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 206 on Monday morning, placing it in the “poor” category, according to official monitoring data.
Under Central Pollution Control Board guidelines, AQI readings between 201 and 300 are considered poor and may cause breathing discomfort for people with respiratory conditions, children, and elderly residents.
Environmental experts noted that strong winds carrying dust particles, combined with dry weather and rising temperatures, can significantly worsen pollution levels during summer months in Delhi.
Weather Conditions Likely to Stay Harsh
Forecasts suggest that hot and dry weather conditions may continue over the coming days, with little immediate relief expected from the ongoing heatwave pattern. Rising temperatures during both day and night have increased discomfort levels across the city and surrounding regions.
Officials are closely monitoring weather developments as Delhi continues to experience one of the harshest summer periods recorded in recent years.