The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a prolonged spell of heatwave conditions expected to grip Delhi and nearby regions over the coming week. According to the forecast, maximum temperatures in the national capital could climb up to 44C. While no colour-coded alert has been issued yet, rising temperatures and strong surface winds are likely to dominate weather conditions.
The IMD has predicted heatwave conditions across parts of northwest India, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, between May 18 and May 22. During this period, temperatures across the region are expected to increase gradually by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius until May 20.
“Maximum temperatures over Delhi are expected to remain above normal during the coming days, and heatwave conditions are likely to develop from May 18,” Hindustan Times quoted an IMD official as saying.
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Current weather and Sunday outlook
On Saturday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 40.8C, slightly above the seasonal average, while the minimum settled at 24.8C, below normal levels. The Ridge station reported the highest temperature at 42.4C.
For Sunday, partly cloudy skies are expected, with a chance of thunder activity later in the day. The IMD has also forecast sustained surface winds ranging from 20 to 30 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 40 kmph. Daytime temperatures are likely to remain between 41C and 43C.
Hot, dry winds fuel rising temperatures across Delhi
Weather experts attribute the rising heat to a shift in wind direction. Easterly winds have now been replaced by dry and hot northwesterly winds originating from central Pakistan and Rajasthan, contributing to the steady rise in temperature.
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“The easterlies have now changed to northwesterly winds coming from central Pakistan and Rajasthan that are dry and hot. It will naturally lead to increasing temperature over the next few days, with high chances of heatwave conditions,” said Mahesh Palawat, president of Skymet Weather.
The IMD has indicated that temperatures may range between 42C and 44C on Monday, with strong westerly winds of up to 25 kmph expected to persist through the day and night. Similar conditions are likely on Tuesday, when temperatures could hover between 41C and 43C, and minimum temperatures may rise to around 28C.
In its advisory, the IMD has urged residents to take precautions during the intense heat. “High temperature and increased likelihood of heat related symptoms are expected among people exposed to the sun for prolonged periods or doing heavy work outdoors,” the department said.
