New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Delhi for today as the national capital recorded extreme heatwave conditions, with the heat index reaching a dangerous 51.9°C in some areas on Wednesday. Large parts of north India, including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan, are also reeling under intense heat.
Delhi’s base station at Safdarjung recorded a maximum temperature of 43.3°C — 3.4°C above normal. Aya Nagar reported the highest temperature at 45.5°C, followed by Palam at 44.5°C and Lodhi Road at 43.4°C. According to IMD norms, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is 45°C or more, or when it is 4.5°C to 6.4°C above the seasonal average.
Heatwave conditions expected to persist until June 13
IMD officials confirmed that the heat index — which factors in humidity — peaked at 51.9°C, although the department clarified that India does not officially validate or maintain records for the index. “Heat index values vary throughout the day depending on temperature and relative humidity,” said a senior IMD scientist.
The heatwave conditions are expected to persist until June 13. A yellow alert has been issued for Friday, with forecasts of light rainfall and gusty winds up to 60kmph in Delhi and surrounding areas due to an approaching western disturbance.
“From June 13 night onwards, there is a likelihood of relief with a gradual fall in temperatures by 2–4°C,” said Dr Naresh Kumar, senior IMD scientist. Between June 14 and 17, temperatures may settle between 37°C and 42°C, accompanied by light to moderate rain and winds from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
Red alert in several northern states
Apart from Delhi, red alerts are in effect in several northern states. IMD has forecast severe heatwave conditions across parts of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Jammu & Kashmir between June 11 and 14.
Humidity levels in Delhi on Wednesday ranged from 31 per cent to 73 per cent, contributing to severe thermal discomfort. Despite a marginal dip in night temperatures, hot and humid conditions continued to pose health risks.
