Delhi is bracing for an intense spell of heat, with temperatures expected to climb further this week. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the mercury could touch 46C on Wednesday, alongside issuing orange alerts for heatwave-like conditions expected to persist for six consecutive days.
The warning comes after the city recorded its hottest day of the season so far. The Safdarjung observatory, considered Delhi’s base weather station, logged a maximum temperature of 45.1C on Tuesday, which is 4.7 degrees above the seasonal average.
Temperatures soar across city stations
Several parts of Delhi reported even higher readings during the day. The Ridge station recorded the highest temperature at 46.5C, followed by Ayanagar at 45.5C and Lodhi Road at 45.2C. According to IMD’s forecast, daytime temperatures are unlikely to dip below 43C in the coming days.
A heatwave is declared by the IMD when the maximum temperature crosses 40C and remains at least 4.5 degrees above normal.
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Weather factors behind the heat spike
Experts point to the absence of active weather systems as a key reason behind the rising temperatures. “There are no active western disturbances, and no cyclonic circulations, while dry, hot winds from the west and northwest are blowing over the city. Such heatwaves are normal for the latter half of May and April, and sometimes early June as well,” said Mahesh Palawat, vice president, Skymet Weather.
He added that relief may not come anytime soon. “Usually, temperatures subside a little in the second half of June, as easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal reach the city,” Palawat said.
Air quality worsens amid rising heat
Alongside the heat, pollution levels have also worsened. Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) reached 208 at 4pm on Tuesday, marking its highest level since April 28, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
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In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage 1 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Authorities have been directed to tighten pollution control efforts and step up monitoring across the National Capital Region.
Officials said action is also being taken against vehicles operating without valid pollution under control certificates to reduce emissions.
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Power demand surges
The rising temperatures have also pushed electricity demand to new highs this season. Data from the State Load Dispatch Centre shows that Delhi’s peak power demand touched 7,776MW at 3.30pm on Tuesday, surpassing the previous high of 7,600MW recorded late Monday night.
Notably, the last time Delhi saw temperatures reach 46C was on May 29, 2024.
