Delhi-NCR Heatwave: IMD issues yellow alert as temperatures forecast between 43–46°C, relief unlikely till May 25

Delhi-NCR Heatwave: The spell of intense heat across Delhi-NCR is expected to continue over the coming days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for the next three days and warning residents about persistent heatwave conditions, strong surface winds, and above-normal temperatures across the region.

Heatwave forecast for May 19–25

According to the latest daily weather report and forecast bulletin issued on May 19, weather conditions over Delhi-NCR are likely to remain harsh between May 19 and May 25, with maximum temperatures ranging between 43°C and 46°C and little relief expected during the night hours.

Hottest day of the season recorded in Delhi

Delhi recorded its hottest day of the season so far on Monday, with temperatures rising sharply across several monitoring stations. The Safdarjung observatory, considered the city's primary weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 43.4°C and a minimum temperature of 28.2°C. Several areas registered even higher readings, including Ridge at 44.6°C and Ayanagar at 44.4°C.

The IMD said maximum temperatures across Delhi remained above normal by 1.6°C to 5°C, while minimum temperatures also remained above average at several locations. Strong west-northwesterly winds blowing at speeds of 15–25 kmph, occasionally gusting up to 46 kmph, were observed during daytime hours.

Weather Forecast for Delhi: May 19–20

According to the forecast, Delhi is expected to witness maximum temperatures of 44–46°C on May 19 and May 20, with minimum temperatures likely to remain between 26°C and 28°C. Heatwave conditions are expected at many places during these two days.

From May 21 onward, temperatures may show a marginal decline, with maximum temperatures likely to settle between 43°C and 45°C. However, heatwave conditions are expected to continue at a few places until at least May 25.

The weather department has also forecast strong surface winds during the daytime period. Wind speeds may reach 15–25 kmph and could occasionally gust between 35 kmph and 40 kmph, particularly on May 21 and May 22.

Image source: IMD Weather Bulletin

District-wise conditions across Delhi-NCR

Forecasts for the districts show that the same weather is likely to prevail in Delhi-NCR, namely, Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad, in the coming days as well. These areas are expected to experience mainly clear skies, heatwave conditions, and strong gusty winds over the next several days.

According to observations made at the Delhi-NCR stations, there have been some high temperatures recorded in the neighbouring areas. The maximum temperature in Gurgaon recorded was 42.3°C, whereas in Ghaziabad it was 41.6°C.

The IMD noted that there will likely be no change in maximum or minimum temperatures during the next five days, suggesting that relief from the prevailing heat may remain limited.

Health advisory for Delhi NCR residents

Health warnings have been issued by the department regarding the potential dangers posed by exposure to hot weather, especially for infants, elderly people, and those suffering from some diseases. Health warnings advise people to avoid exposing themselves to the sun during the hottest part of the day, wear light-colored clothes, cover their heads, and drink plenty of water.

Caution against heat-related risks

It has been recommended for people to stay vigilant since hot daytime temperatures, along with windy weather, could lead to an increase in the level of discomfort and chances of heat illnesses.

Even though the sky will be mostly clear throughout the week, it is suggested by weather experts that there is no chance of any respite from the current high temperature conditions.