Delhi Heatwave: Temperature May Touch 45°C As IMD Warns Of Severe Heatwave Spell

Delhi is heading into a severe heat spell this week, with the India Meteorological Department predicting a heatwave and temperatures likely to climb past 40 degrees Celsius. Forecast data shows both maximum and minimum readings staying above normal in many parts of the national capital, raising concern over rising daytime and nighttime discomfort levels.

Across northwestern and central India, similar conditions are expected to build. The IMD has warned that several states and Union territories, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and parts of central India, will see a marked rise in temperature. Many areas are likely to experience heatwave or even severe heatwave conditions over the coming days.

Delhi heatwave IMD forecast and temperature trend

For Delhi, the weather agency expects a sustained heatwave phase starting 18 May, with the maximum temperature likely to touch 45 degrees Celsius during the period. Officials say the city will see “maximum and minimum temperatures over Delhi are likely to be in the range of 43°C to 45°C and 25°C to 27°C, respectively”.

Between 18 May and 20 May, maximum temperatures in Delhi are expected to persist in the 43 to 45 degrees Celsius band. Forecast models also indicate that minimum temperatures will stay higher than the seasonal average at most locations within the city during this spell, suggesting that nights may offer only limited relief from the heat.

Delhi heatwave IMD report and recent observations

Recent readings already show a warming trend. On Saturday, the city logged a maximum of 40.8°C, which was 0.4°C above the normal, while the minimum dipped to 24.8°C, around 1.7°C below the usual level. On Sunday, the maximum once again rose beyond 40 degrees Celsius, hinting at the sharper rise forecast for the coming week.

An earlier Hindustan Times report quoted an IMD official as saying, “Maximum temperatures over Delhi are expected to remain above normal during the coming days, and heatwave conditions are likely to develop from May 18”. Despite this outlook, the department has not yet issued any colour-based alert, though it has highlighted strong surface winds during the daytime.

Delhi heatwave IMD outlook for winds and wider regions

The IMD expects winds over Delhi to blow at 20 to 30 kmph, with occasional gusts touching 40 kmph during the day. Nationally, the department has projected that temperatures over many parts of India will gradually rise by about 3 to 5 degrees Celsius up to 20 May, increasing the risk of heat stress.

According to the forecast, isolated pockets of Rajasthan will face heatwave conditions between 17 May and 23 May. Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi are likely to see similar conditions from 18 May to 23 May, while parts of Uttar Pradesh may experience severe heatwave conditions from 19 May to 23 May as temperatures climb further.

Delhi heatwave IMD analysis of wind pattern and central India

Mahesh Palawat, president of Skymet weather, explained the main trigger for the spike in temperatures. Palawat said, “The easterlies have now changed to northwesterly winds coming from central Pakistan and Rajasthan that are dry and hot. It will naturally lead to increasing temperature over the next few days, with high chances of heatwave conditions.”

Central and adjoining regions are also under close watch. The IMD has stated that “Heat wave conditions in isolated pockets likely to prevail over Telangana during 17th -21st May,” and has issued forecasts of comparable conditions for Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh. These alerts point to a broad heat impact zone stretching from northwest India into the central belt.

With maximum and minimum temperatures expected to stay above normal in Delhi and much of north and central India until at least 23 May, the IMD outlook indicates a long and intense heat episode. The combination of hot, dry northwesterly winds and steadily rising temperatures underlines the likelihood of persistent heatwave conditions across several states.