Delhi Heatwave Alert For 2 Days As IMD Issues Yellow Alert, Temperature May Touch 45°C

Large parts of Delhi faced severe daytime heat on Monday, as maximum temperatures neared 43°C across many areas. The India Meteorological Department warned that some neighbourhoods may see temperatures touching 45°C by May 19, 2026. A yellow alert for heatwave conditions has been issued for Tuesday and Wednesday.

IMD projections show the maximum temperature over the city staying between 43°C and 45°C, while the minimum is likely near 26.3°C on May 18, 2026. The agency expects similar conditions over the next two days, with no major relief signalled in the short-term outlook.

Delhi weather heatwave forecast and alert details

The weather office has predicted clear skies and strong winds through the day. It stated: "Mainly clear sky. Sustained strong surface winds speed reaching 20-30 kmph occasionally gusting to 40 kmph during the day," describing the expected conditions as the heat builds over the region.

According to IMD norms, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature crosses 40°C and stays at least 4.5°C above the usual mark. A heatwave can also be announced if the maximum reaches 45°C or more, regardless of the normal value for that location.

Delhi weather heatwave criteria and severity benchmarks

The classification “severe heatwave” applies when the maximum temperature departs from normal by 6.5°C or higher. For any official heatwave declaration, IMD requires these thresholds to be met at a minimum of two stations within a meteorological subdivision, for two days in a row, with confirmation issued on the second day.

The department noted that similar heatwave conditions are likely to continue across large stretches of northwest and central India during the coming days. Delhi’s current spell is therefore part of a broader hot phase affecting several states under IMD monitoring.

Delhi weather heatwave outlook and temperature forecast

For Tuesday, May 19, 2026, IMD predicts Delhi’s minimum and maximum temperatures at 36.67°C and 45.69°C respectively. Forecast values for the wider period suggest temperatures fluctuating between 30.05°C and 45.63°C, indicating a persistently hot pattern across the city and surrounding districts.

Humidity for May 19, 2026 is expected around 7%, which can increase the risk of dehydration despite relatively dry air. The low moisture level, combined with very high daytime temperatures, is likely to produce harsh afternoon conditions, especially on open roads and exposed urban stretches.

Delhi weather heatwave conditions and AQI observations

The Air Quality Index in Delhi on May 18, 2026 stands at 84.0, which is categorised as satisfactory. People with existing respiratory conditions may still need to stay alert, particularly during the hottest hours, while others can continue regular outdoor routines without major air-related constraints.

IMD added that mainly clear skies are likely to persist over Delhi as this heat spell continues. Forecasts for the next seven days also cover Delhi’s weather and air quality, along with conditions in other Indian cities on May 18, 2026, highlighting the wider spread of high temperatures across the region.