Delhi braces for intense heatwave as IMD issues yellow alert for next three days

Delhi is reeling under intense heatwave conditions as temperatures continue to rise across the national capital, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow alert for the next three days.

Weather officials have warned that maximum temperatures could touch 44°C to 45°C in several parts of the city this week.

According to the IMD’s latest forecast, Delhi is expected to record a maximum temperature of around 44°C on Tuesday, while the minimum temperature is likely to remain close to 28°C, significantly above the seasonal average.

The weather department said heatwave conditions are likely to persist across Delhi-NCR till at least May 22, with dry and hot winds from western and northwestern regions worsening conditions.

Several weather stations across Delhi already recorded unusually high temperatures on Tuesday morning. Safdarjung logged a minimum temperature of 28.2°C, while Palam, Ridge and Lodhi Road stations also recorded temperatures above normal levels.

The IMD has classified the current weather situation under a “yellow alert”, advising residents to remain cautious, stay hydrated and avoid direct exposure to sunlight during afternoon hours. Under IMD criteria, a heatwave is declared when temperatures cross 40°C and remain at least 4.5°C above normal, or when the mercury touches 45°C irrespective of deviation from normal temperatures.

Meteorologists attributed the soaring temperatures to the absence of active western disturbances and lack of cloud cover over north India. Mahesh Palawat, Vice President at Skymet Weather, said dry continental winds are pushing temperatures higher across Delhi and surrounding states.

The heatwave is not limited to Delhi alone. The IMD has forecast heatwave to severe heatwave conditions across several parts of northwest and central India, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

In some parts of Delhi, temperatures have already crossed 43°C, making this week among the hottest periods of the season so far. According to reports, isolated pockets in the capital may touch 45°C over the next two days.

The worsening weather has also raised health concerns, especially for children, elderly people and those working outdoors. The Centre has issued public health advisories urging people to drink adequate water, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours and seek immediate medical attention in case of heatstroke symptoms such as dizziness, dehydration or exhaustion.

Strong surface winds with speeds reaching up to 30 kmph and occasional gusts of around 40 kmph are also expected during daytime hours, according to the IMD.

The national capital had earlier witnessed brief relief through thunderstorms and isolated rainfall earlier this month, but current atmospheric conditions have once again intensified heat levels across the region.

Officials said there is currently no major weather system likely to bring immediate relief to Delhi. However, some forecasts suggest slight changes in weather patterns toward the weekend may eventually lower temperatures marginally.

The IMD has advised residents to wear light cotton clothing, stay indoors during peak afternoon hours where possible and avoid prolonged physical exertion in open spaces. Authorities have also urged schools, hospitals and civic agencies to remain alert amid the continuing heatwave spell.