NEW DELHI, June 12: Delhi continues to swelter under a fierce heatwave, with temperatures soaring dangerously high, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for the national capital on Thursday. The intense heat is expected to persist throughout the day, with maximum temperatures predicted to range between 43 to 45 degrees Celsius.
The IMD reported that temperatures across various weather stations in Delhi ranged from 40.9 to 45 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. The heat index — a measure of how hot it feels when humidity is factored in — reached an alarming 51.9 degrees Celsius, making conditions feel even more unbearable. At 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Ayanagar recorded the highest temperature in the city at a scorching 45 degrees Celsius.
Other parts of the capital were not far behind: Ridge recorded 43.6°C, Palam saw 44.5°C, Pitampura reached 43.5°C, Safdarjung (Delhi’s base weather station) logged 43.3°C, and Lodhi Road hit 43.4°C. Even areas like Mayur Vihar, considered relatively cooler, saw temperatures of 40.9°C.
According to the IMD, these temperatures are 3 to 4 degrees Celsius higher than usual for this time of year, contributing to ongoing heatwave conditions that are expected to continue until Thursday evening. The red alert, the highest warning level issued by the IMD, advises residents to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure, and limit outdoor activities, especially during the peak afternoon hours.
Looking ahead, the IMD forecasts gusty winds, with speeds between 40 to 60 kmph, which could offer some relief. There is also a possibility of very light to light rain or thunderstorms later in the evening or night, providing a break from the extreme heat.
Relief is expected by Friday, June 13, when the severity of the heatwave is anticipated to ease. The IMD has announced that the alert will be downgraded to an orange alert, signaling a less severe heatwave. Between June 14 and 17, temperatures in Delhi are expected to drop to more moderate levels, ranging from 37 to 42°C, with light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds further helping to reduce the ongoing heat stress.
