Delhi is reeling under intense heat after recording the hottest day of the season, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a heatwave alert for the coming days. The weather agency has warned that both maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to rise further, keeping the national capital under severe heat stress.
Season’s highest temperature recorded
The capital saw a sharp spike in temperatures on May 18. While the Safdarjung observatory recorded a maximum of 43.4C, the Ridge station logged the highest reading across the city at 44.6C. These figures mark the peak so far this summer and signal worsening conditions ahead.
According to IMD’s latest update, heatwave conditions are expected to persist not just in Delhi but across several regions, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of central and southern India over the next few days.
Yellow alert in place, orange warning issued
A yellow alert remains in force in Delhi till May 22, indicating potentially severe heat conditions at isolated locations. The forecast points to clear skies and strong surface winds ranging between 15 and 25 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 35 kmph during the day.
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Daytime temperatures are expected to stay between 43C and 45C, around 3.1C to 5C above normal. Night temperatures are also likely to remain elevated, hovering between 27C and 29C.
“Heat wave conditions over regions of Northwest India, along with Central India and the nearby areas, are likely to persist over the coming week--that is, for the next 7 days”, Mint quoted IMD scientist Akhilesh Shrivastav as saying.
He added, “Our estimate is that over the next week, temperatures in Delhi could remain between 42-44 degrees Celsius.”
Highlighting the severity, he noted, “An 'orange alert' has been issued for Delhi” for May 19 and 20, with temperatures possibly touching 45C by May 21.
No immediate relief from rain
There is little hope for immediate respite. Shrivastav said, "Northwest India will remain largely dry, which will lead to a rise in temperatures."
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However, southern states, including Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, are likely to receive rainfall. He further noted that heavy to very heavy rainfall has been forecast for Kerala, while Karnataka may experience hailstorm activity. Northeast India is also expected to witness intense rainfall spells.
Cooling zones offer some relief
Amid the extreme heat, the Delhi government has set up ‘Cooling Zones’ in busy public areas such as bus stands and metro stations. These centres, supported by disaster management teams and civil defence volunteers, are providing drinking water, ORS, fans, and shaded spaces to help people cope with the rising temperatures.
With dry conditions expected to continue, residents are likely to face prolonged heatwave conditions in the days ahead.
