Severe Heatwave Ahead: IMD Warns of Sweltering 45°C Temperatures in Delhi-NCR, Possible Rainfall Relief expected...
Sizzling Delhi Braces for Severe Heatwave Until Midweek, Light Showers Due by Weekend
The sweltering heat in Delhi has been unbearable, with temperatures soaring past 45°C, causing the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert. The capital city is battling one of its harshest phases of summer, as respite seems nowhere in sight until late in the week. Here's everything you need to know about the current weather crisis, affected regions, heatwave science, and upcoming rain.
Delhi Suffers in the Blistering Heat: IMD Report
In response to the escalating heatwave conditions, the IMD upgraded Delhi's weather status to a red alert on Tuesday. On Monday itself, many areas of Delhi witnessed extreme highs, setting the stage for an excruciating week ahead.
Temperature Breakdown of Monday's Heatwave in Delhi:
→ Aya Nagar- 45.3°C
→ Ridge- 44.9°C
→ Palam- 44.3°C
→ Safdarjung (official base station)- 43.4°C
→ Lodi Road- 43.3°C
The temperatures were 1 to 2 degrees higher than Sunday, indicating a rapidly increasing heat trend. According to the IMD's forecast, this intense spell will persist till at least Thursday, with daytime temperatures roughly around 44-45°C. The heatwave also causes uncomfortably high night temperatures.
Heatwave Plagues North India
Delhi is not alone in this suffering. A severe heatwave has oppressed multiple northern states, resulting in discomfort and health warnings throughout the region.
Uttar Pradesh: 19 districts, including Agra, Kanpur, Jhansi, and others, recorded temperatures close to 46°C. Minimum night temperatures hovered around 29.4°C, with growing humidity levels, intensifying the discomfort.
West Rajasthan: Facing the worst brunt of the heat, the IMD has also issued a red alert for this region due to the combination of warm nights and dangerously high daytime heat.
Jammu Region: In Jammu, the third consecutive day of the heatwave, Sunday temperatures hit:
→ Samba- 43.9°C
→ Jammu city- 42.7°C
The relentless heat, intensified by hot, dry south-westerly winds blowing in from the Thar desert, is making life unbearable for millions.
Delhi's Air Quality Worsens
Although heatwave conditions dominate the headlines, Delhi's air quality is deteriorating rapidly. At 9 a.m. on Tuesday, the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 218, positioning it in the 'poor' category, according to CPCB data.
AQI Categories:
0-50: Good
51-100: Satisfactory
101-200: Moderate
201-300: Poor
301-400: Very Poor
401-500: Severe
This decline in air quality is due to trapped pollutants caused by stagnant hot air and high UV radiation, making breathing outside more challenging, particularly for those with respiratory issues.
Expected Rainfall and IMD's Predictions
Though unbearable heat is anticipated to continue until midweek, Delhiites eagerly await any indication of rain. The IMD predicts that light to moderate rainfall, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds, might arrive in the NCR region starting Thursday or Friday.
What to Expect:
Tuesday-Wednesday:
→ Unrelenting high heat (approximately 44-45°C)
→ Clear, sunny skies
→ Heatwave conditions to persist
Thursday-Sunday:
→ Potential arrival of rain by Thursday or Friday
→ Thunderstorms and winds of 50-60 kmph
→ Decrease in daytime temperatures
→ Rising humidity levels
Though this is not the monsoon, temporary relief from the heatwave may occur. The full-scale monsoon uncertainty remains two weeks away.
Monsoon Arrival for Delhi-NCR
IMD anticipates the southwest monsoon will make steady progress across India. It has already covered parts of South and West India, as well as Northeast India.
Monsoon onset for Delhi-NCR:
→ Around June 20 in Northern India
→ Between June 25-30 in Delhi-NCR
This year's monsoon is predicted to be above normal, which could benefit the rain-deprived regions suffering from extended heatwaves. Until then, intermittent pre-monsoon showers may temporarily offer reprieve.
Weather Alerts Issued in North India
Red Alert:
- Delhi
- West Rajasthan
Orange Alert:
- Eastern Rajasthan
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Uttar Pradesh
Precautionary measures are recommended across all red and orange alert zones.
Staying Safe in the Blistering Heat
With temperatures escalating to dangerous levels, authorities and health experts advise:
- Remaining indoors during peak sun hours (12 PM to 4 PM)
- Regular hydration, even if not thirsty
- Refraining from caffeine and alcohol, as they lead to dehydration
- Wearing cotton or loose-fitting clothes in light colors
- Employing umbrellas, caps, or scarves when venturing outside
- Keeping the elderly and young children in cool, shaded areas
Brace for the Scorching Heat, Relief is Near
Despite Delhi facing one of the harshest heatwaves in recent memory, hope lies on the horizon. While Tuesday and Wednesday will be grueling, a hint of relief might partially arrive by Thursday, with the monsoon anticipated to offer substantial rain by the weekend.
Until then, stay inside, monitor IMD and CPCB updates, and remain cautious. The heatwave while intense, is only short-term, and the monsoon is on its way.
(With agency inputs)
(Note: This forecast is based on IMD predictions as of June 11, 2025.)
- The escalating heatwave conditions in Delhi, with temperatures soaring above 45°C, have prompted health concerns, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly and young children.
- With light showers predicted by the IMD for the NCR region starting as early as Thursday or Friday, weather-forecasting experts are hoping for some respite from the severe heatwave that has plagued North India.
