Delhi-NCR continues to reel under an intense heatwave, with conditions expected to worsen over the next few days. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram, warning residents to brace for severe heat. Daytime temperatures are likely to cross 45 degrees Celsius, while hot and dry “loo” winds remain active across the region.
7-day forecast signals prolonged discomfort
According to the IMD’s latest outlook, heatwave conditions are expected to persist in the national capital until May 26. Maximum temperatures are forecast to stay above 44 degrees Celsius through the week, with minimum temperatures hovering close to 28 degrees Celsius. The department has also indicated the possibility of strong surface winds during the afternoon and evening hours, which may further intensify the harsh conditions.
No immediate relief, say weather experts
Weather experts point to a stable and dry weather pattern across northwestern India, reducing the chances of any immediate respite.
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“Pre-monsoon activities will remain absent from northwest and central India for at least a week. Dry and hot winds blowing across Pakistan and the Thar Desert will further increase temperatures over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. There is no relief expected for the next four days,” said Mahesh Palawat, vice president, Climate and Meteorology, Skymet Weather.
Power outages add to residents’ woes
The rising temperatures have also put pressure on power infrastructure, particularly in Noida and Greater Noida. Gautam Budh Nagar recorded 42.5 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, with residents reporting frequent electricity cuts, especially at night. Many said the outages have made it harder to cope with the heat.
Officials from Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited stated that some disruptions are linked to scheduled maintenance work. Infrastructure upgrades under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme are currently underway, including installation of breakers, control panels and replacement of damaged systems.
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‘Worse than loo’ warning issued
Adding to the concern, residents across parts of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi-NCR received alerts from the National Disaster Management Authority warning of extremely hot winds described as “worse than loo.”
The alert covered districts such as Aligarh, Etah, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Ghaziabad, Hathras, Kanpur Nagar, Mainpuri, Mathura, Mirzapur and Bhadohi. It used the phrase “loo se bhi bheeshan loo,” indicating wind conditions even more severe than typical heatwave winds.
