New Delhi: Temperatures soared above 46 degrees Celsius at several locations on a scorching Tuesday, marking the season's hottest day in Delhi, with forecasts indicating a week-long spell of intense heat. The meteorological department has issued an orange alert for heatwave conditions across the city until May 25, as reported by Kushagra Dixit.
Mercury Crosses Heatwave Thresholds
The mercury breached heatwave thresholds at multiple monitoring stations. Delhi Ridge recorded a blistering 46.5 degrees Celsius, Mungeshpur reached 46.1 degrees Celsius, and Ayanagar hit 45.5 degrees Celsius. The base station at Safdarjung logged 45.1 degrees Celsius, which is 4.7 notches above normal. This marked the city's first heatwave day in May in two years and the second heatwave day of the season.
IMD Warns of Prolonged Heat
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that the region faces an unforgiving spell of dry, blazing weather in the coming days, with little relief expected. Unlike April and the first half of May, when western disturbances and dust storms provided some respite, no such relief is anticipated now. The minimum temperature at Safdarjung was 28.2 degrees Celsius, two notches above normal, while Rajghat recorded 31.2 degrees Celsius, meeting the 'warm night' criterion where the maximum temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and the minimum is at least 4.5 notches above normal.
No May Heatwave in 2025, Six-Day Streak in 2024
Heatwaves are typically followed by warm night conditions, increasing thermal distress for residents who get no respite from the heat at any time of day. For a heatwave to be declared, the maximum temperature must either exceed 45 degrees Celsius or be above 40 degrees Celsius with a departure of more than 4.5 degrees from normal. On Monday, Lodhi Road recorded a maximum of 43.8 degrees Celsius, 4.8 notches above normal, qualifying as a heatwave. However, IMD officials noted that at least two consecutive days of high heat are needed for an official heatwave declaration. Thus, Tuesday became the first heatwave day of the month. In 2025, no heatwaves were recorded in May due to strong western disturbances and cumulative rainfall of 185.92 mm. In stark contrast, May 2024 saw a streak of six heatwave days from May 26 to 31, with the highest temperature reaching 46.8 degrees Celsius.
Forecast and Air Quality
The IMD said the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 44-46 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and 43-45 degrees Celsius from Thursday to Monday. The minimum temperature may spike to 29 degrees Celsius. The air quality index (AQI) deteriorated to 'poor', prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to impose Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). While not restrictive, it mandates pre-emptive measures to curb pollution. The AQI was recorded at 208 ('poor') on Tuesday, up from a 'moderate' 173 on Monday. GRAP Stage 1 measures include strict enforcement of vigilance, mechanized sweeping, and other actions to control dust and emissions.
About the Author
Kushagra Dixit writes on environmental issues, wildlife conservation, climate change, agriculture, human rights, and scientific research. His investigative coverage encompasses river contamination with emphasis on the Yamuna, air pollution, urban waste, and their collective effects on public well-being.
