Delhi Records 51.3°C 'Real Feel' Temperature as Humidity Pushes Heat to Dangerous Levels

Delhi witnessed one of its most uncomfortable days of the summer on Saturday as soaring humidity combined with high temperatures to push the city's heat index, or "real feel" temperature, to a scorching 51.3 degrees Celsius. The oppressive conditions came despite forecasts of rainfall and thunderstorms over the weekend, which largely failed to materialise.

Humidity Drives Dangerous Heat Levels Across Delhi

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the capital recorded humidity levels ranging between 35% and 63% during the day, making outdoor conditions feel significantly hotter than the actual air temperature. The city also logged a peak wet-bulb temperature of 29.77°C, indicating increasing heat stress on residents.

Weather experts said the combination of elevated humidity and high temperatures was responsible for the extreme "feels-like" temperature and warned that such muggy conditions are expected to continue over the next few days.

"Currently there are southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea, which are feeding moisture over Pakistan and northwestern India, which are increasing the humidity level. The 'feels-like' temperature is high due to this increased humidity, combined with the high temperature. The monsoon is also not close, as, if it were, winds would be approaching from the Bay of Bengal, which we are currently not seeing. So the 'feels-like' temperature is likely to remain high over the coming few days," said Mahesh Palawat, vice president of Skymet Weather.

Temperatures Stay Well Above Normal

The IMD recorded Delhi's maximum temperature at 41.3°C, which was 4.1 degrees above the seasonal average, while the minimum temperature settled at 30.8°C, nearly 3 degrees above normal.

The heat index remained exceptionally high throughout the day. It stood at 46.2°C at 11.30 am before climbing to 47.8°C by 5.30 pm. Meteorologists explained that higher humidity levels reduce the body's ability to cool itself through sweating, causing temperatures to feel much hotter.

Experts also noted that the city's wet-bulb temperature reached 29.77°C at 2.30 pm and remained high at 28.09°C by 5.30 pm.

A wet-bulb temperature of 32°C or above makes prolonged outdoor work difficult even for healthy and acclimatised individuals. Once it reaches 35°C, the human body struggles to regulate its internal temperature, creating a serious risk of heat stroke and collapse.

Rain Likely From Monday as Temperatures Begin to Fall

The IMD has forecast that Delhi's maximum temperature will remain between 39°C and 41°C until Monday before gradually declining to around 33°C to 35°C later in the week.

Rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds is expected between Monday and Friday. The weather department has also issued a yellow alert for Tuesday and Wednesday due to the anticipated weather activity.

Minimum temperatures are also expected to decline gradually, reaching between 21°C and 23°C by Friday.

Monsoon Expected After July 4

Mahesh Palawat said the expected rainfall in the coming days should provide relief from the intense heat, although humidity is likely to persist for some time.

"Although the humidity is likely to remain for a few days, by July 2 or 3, there are chances of scattered rainfall, which should reduce the temperature. Additionally, monsoon is expected after July 4," he said.

Until then, Delhi residents are likely to continue experiencing hot and humid conditions despite the approaching monsoon season.