Delhi temperatures exceed 45 degrees Celsius, IMD issues 'red alert'

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'red alert' for Delhi and surrounding areas as the capital endures a prolonged and severe heatwave, with maximum temperatures breaching 45.5 degrees Celsius in some localities. The alert, which signifies take action conditions, advises the public to avoid exposure to extreme heat, stay hydrated, and limit outdoor activity, especially for vulnerable populations.

According to IMD’s latest bulletin, issued at 2:00 pm on Wednesday (June 11), temperatures across Delhi-NCR are expected to hover between 44°C and 46°C over the next two days. The highest recorded temperature was 45.5°C in Ayanagar, while Safdarjung—the city's base station—recorded 43.8°C, both significantly above seasonal norms. Moderate humidity levels around 39 per cent, combined with dry south-westerly winds, have further aggravated the discomfort.

Dr Naresh Kumar, Senior Scientist at IMD, stated that the



ongoing heatwave is affecting large parts of northwest India, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The current extreme heat conditions are forecast to continue through June 12.

A shift is expected beginning the night of June 13, as a western disturbance approaches the region. This may bring light showers and thunderstorms, leading to marginal relief from the intense heat. As a result, the alert for Delhi is expected to be downgraded to orange by June 13.

"From June 13 night, parts of northwest India may witness isolated rainfall and thunderstorms," Dr Kumar told media. “Delhi will move from red alert to orange alert by then, though heatwave conditions will likely remain intense until that point.”

In addition to the heatwave, Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 225 at 2:00 pm, categorised as ‘poor, adding to the environmental stress on residents.