New Delhi: Large parts of north India remain in the grip of an intense heatwave as temperatures continue to soar, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for Delhi and surrounding regions. On Tuesday, the national capital recorded its hottest day of the year so far, with the maximum temperature at Safdarjung touching 43.8°C — four degrees above the seasonal average.
The “heat index” — or the temperature felt by the human body — reached a searing 47.7°C in the city due to low humidity levels, intensified by hot, dry westerly winds. The IMD has warned that similar conditions are expected to persist on Wednesday, with maximum temperatures hovering between 44°C and 46°C. Gusty winds, potentially reaching speeds of 40 km/h, may further increase discomfort levels.
Relief likely on Friday
According to IMD data, this is the fifth heatwave day for the capital this season. Tuesday’s temperature surpassed Monday’s 43.4°C, making it the hottest day of the year so far.
The weather department has forecast relief from the intense heat starting June 13, when moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are expected to converge over northwestern plains, potentially triggering thunderstorms and rainfall. Some regions in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand may see marginal relief a day earlier, beginning June 11–12.
Red alert in parts of Rajasthan
Elsewhere in north India, the heatwave crisis is deepening. On Tuesday, Bathinda in Punjab recorded a scorching 47.6°C — the highest in the country — followed closely by Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar at 47.4°C, nearly 6 degrees above normal. A total of 19 cities across India saw temperatures of 45°C or higher, including five each in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh.
The IMD has issued a Red Alert for parts of western Rajasthan, warning of severe heatwave conditions between June 11 and 13. Heatwave alerts remain in effect for Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh.
