Climate – Delhi Braces for Intense Heatwave as Temperatures Near 46 Degrees
Climate – Delhi and surrounding NCR regions are preparing for another spell of severe heat as weather officials warn of soaring daytime temperatures and unusually warm nights in the coming days.
Delhi-NCR is likely to experience one of the hottest weeks of the season, with temperatures expected to climb close to 46 degrees Celsius by Wednesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the national capital and nearby areas, cautioning residents about persistent heatwave conditions that may continue throughout the week.
Heatwave Conditions Intensify Across Northern States
According to the IMD, several northern states, including Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, are also expected to remain under severe heat stress. Weather experts have noted that high temperatures are not only affecting daytime conditions but are also preventing night-time cooling in several regions.
Parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and the Vidarbha region are likely to witness exceptionally warm nights, with temperatures remaining significantly above normal even after sunset. Meteorologists say such prolonged heat exposure can increase health risks, particularly for elderly people, children, and outdoor workers.
Delhi Records Season’s Highest Temperature
On Tuesday, Delhi’s Safdarjung observatory, which serves as the city’s primary weather monitoring station, recorded a maximum temperature of 45.1 degrees Celsius. This was nearly 5 degrees above the normal seasonal average and marked the highest temperature recorded in the capital so far this year.
Several other monitoring centres across the city reported even harsher conditions. The Ridge area registered 46.5 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest location in Delhi for the day. Ayanagar recorded 45.5 degrees Celsius, while Lodhi Road reported temperatures reaching 45.2 degrees Celsius.
The sharp rise in temperature has added to concerns about public health and infrastructure stress as the capital continues to endure prolonged dry and hot weather.
Air Quality Worsens Amid Extreme Heat
The ongoing heatwave has also contributed to declining air quality levels across Delhi. Data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 208 by late Tuesday afternoon, placing it in the “poor” category.
This marks the worst air quality recorded in Delhi since late April. Environmental experts believe stagnant atmospheric conditions and rising dust levels during intense heat periods have worsened pollution levels across the city.
Following the increase in pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced Stage 1 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These measures are aimed at controlling emissions and reducing pollution sources during deteriorating air conditions.
Repeated Heatwave Days Raise Concerns
Delhi has already witnessed multiple heatwave days this year. Meteorologists confirmed that Tuesday became the fourth officially recorded heatwave day of the season. Similar weather conditions were observed earlier on April 23, 24, and 25.
The IMD has predicted that maximum temperatures may continue to hover around 44 degrees Celsius until at least May 25. Strong surface winds are also expected during afternoon and evening hours, which may offer limited relief but could increase dust movement across the region.
Health authorities and disaster management agencies have advised people to avoid stepping outdoors during peak afternoon hours unless necessary. Citizens have also been encouraged to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and remain alert for symptoms related to heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely as the intense summer conditions show little sign of easing in the immediate future.