Delhi-NCR To Face Severe Heatwave As IMD Warns Of 45 Degree Temperatures

Residents across Delhi-NCR are likely to face intense heatwave conditions over the next few days as temperatures continue to rise sharply in the region.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast severe heat and dry weather till May 23, with daytime temperatures likely to range between 42 and 45 degrees Celsius.

The weather department has also issued a yellow alert for May 19 and 20, cautioning people against unnecessary outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours.

According to IMD guidelines, a heatwave in the plains is declared when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius and remains significantly above normal.

IMD records a severe heatwave when temperatures rise more than 6.4 degrees Celsius above average or cross the 45-degree mark.

Meteorologists have predicted a gradual increase of around 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in Delhi’s temperature over the next three days.

On Sunday, the city is likely to witness partly cloudy skies along with thunderstorms and gusty winds ranging between 20 and 30 kmph, with wind speeds occasionally touching 40 kmph.

Despite brief cloud activity, temperatures will likely remain extremely high, with the maximum likely to hover around 44 degrees Celsius.

Clear skies later in the week could further intensify the heat, while warm nights may offer little relief to residents.

Several states across North and Central India, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, and Delhi, are also likely to experience heatwave conditions.

The western Himalayan region may witness a temperature rise of 3 to 4 degrees Celsius.

Delhi’s air quality remains a concern, with several monitoring stations reporting AQI levels in the ‘poor’ category, including Anand Vihar (239), Dwarka-Sector 8 (222), Rohini (201), and Wazirpur (222).

What Doctors Are Advising

Health experts have advised residents to stay hydrated, wear light cotton clothing, avoid direct sunlight between noon and 4 PM, and regularly check on vulnerable individuals during the ongoing heatwave.

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