It’s getting hot, hotter in Delhi-NCR. And on June 12, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi as the city sweltered under a severe heatwave, with the heat index, or “feels-like” temperature, reaching a dangerous 51.9°C on Wednesday evening due to high humidity (31–73%) and soaring temperatures.
Aya Nagar recorded the highest temperature at 45.5°C, followed by Palam at 44.5°C, Safdarjung at 43.3°C, and Ridge at 43.6°C, all exceeding the IMD’s heatwave threshold of 45°C or 4.5–6.4°C above normal.
The red alert, signalling extreme health risks like heatstroke, extends through June 13, with temperatures expected to hover around 44–46°C.
The IMD forecasts relief starting late June 13, with light rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds (30–60 kmph) due to an approaching western disturbance, potentially dropping temperatures by 2–4°C to 37–42°C by June 14–17.
Authorities urge avoiding outdoor activities from noon to 3 PM, staying hydrated with water or ORS, and wearing loose, light-colored clothing. Delhi’s air quality remains “poor” (AQI 212), worsening health concerns. The city’s Heat Action Plan includes 3,000 water coolers and hospital heatwave wards to mitigate impacts.
