Gurgaon: Heatwave conditions intensified across Haryana on Monday, with Sirsa recording the season's highest temperature in the state at 46.2 degrees Celsius. Several areas experienced a heatwave, which is declared when the maximum temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and is at least 4.5 notches above the seasonal average. When the temperature rises more than 6.4 degrees Celsius above the average, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) categorizes it as a "severe heatwave."
Weather Forecast and Warnings
According to the IMD, weather across Haryana is likely to remain dry over the next seven days, with maximum temperatures expected to rise gradually by another 2 to 3 degrees Celsius during this period. The department has issued a heatwave warning for isolated places in Haryana from May 18 to May 24. The forecast also indicates strong surface winds at isolated locations over the next week.
Temperature Data
IMD data showed that the average maximum temperature across Haryana rose by 1.9 degrees Celsius on Monday compared to the previous day and remained 2.9 degrees Celsius above normal for this time of year. Specific recordings include: Rohtak at 45.2 degrees Celsius, Hisar at 44.4 degrees Celsius, Narnaul at 44.3 degrees Celsius, and Bhiwani at 44 degrees Celsius. Gurgaon recorded a maximum temperature of 42 degrees Celsius, the highest of the season so far.
Several other stations in south Haryana and the National Capital Region (NCR) remained above the 42 degrees Celsius mark, including Jhajjar at 42.8 degrees Celsius, Bawal in Rewari at 42.7 degrees Celsius, Mandkola in Mewat at 42.6 degrees Celsius, and Mahendragarh AWS at 43.1 degrees Celsius.
Night Temperatures
Night temperatures also remained elevated across parts of the state. Gurgaon recorded a minimum temperature of 23.5 degrees Celsius, while the NorthCap University AWS station recorded 27.2 degrees Celsius. Ambala recorded a minimum of 28.7 degrees Celsius and Bhiwani 29 degrees Celsius. The lowest minimum temperature in Haryana was 21 degrees Celsius at Canal Rest House Saragthal in Sonipat district. Compared to Sunday, the average minimum temperature across Haryana rose by 0.7 degrees Celsius, though the IMD said it remained near normal overall.
Weather Systems and Monsoon Forecast
The prevailing weather system includes a western disturbance in the form of a cyclonic circulation over north Iran and adjoining areas at around 5.8 km above mean sea level, according to the IMD. The department has also forecast the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala around May 26, with a model error margin of four days.
Expert Analysis
Climate experts said the current spell reflects growing long-term heat vulnerability in Delhi-NCR. Vishwas Chitale, Fellow at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), stated: "The India Meteorological Department has forecast heatwave conditions across northwest and central India, with Delhi expected to experience temperatures of 43 to 45 degrees Celsius during 18 to 20 May. This reflects the growing heat risk in the national capital."
According to CEEW's district-level Heat Risk assessment, more than half of Delhi's districts fall under the "very high risk to extreme heat" category. Chitale noted that districts such as North West Delhi and New Delhi have recorded around three to four additional very warm nights annually during 2012-2022 compared to the 1982-2011 baseline. "Rising warm nights are particularly concerning because they reduce the body's ability to recover from daytime heat stress," he explained.
Recommendations and Precautions
Chitale emphasized that cities need to move beyond reactive responses and operationalize Heat Action Plans through measures such as heat-health early warning systems, cooling centres, water access, and protection for outdoor workers. Long-term investments in cool roofs, urban greening, restoration of water bodies, and heat-resilient infrastructure are also necessary. He added that since 2024, heatwaves have become eligible for financing under State Disaster Management Funds, creating an opportunity for states and cities to strengthen preparedness and mitigation measures scientifically.
The IMD has advised people to avoid prolonged exposure to heat during afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.
