Heatwave Warning, Delhi Heat Returns After Rain Relief, IMD Issues Yellow Alert as Temperatures May Hit 43°C

After a short break due to rain, Delhi is once again facing rising temperatures. The city is getting hotter day by day, and weather officials have now warned of possible heatwave conditions in the coming days.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, signaling that people should be careful as temperatures continue to climb.

Temperature Crosses 40°C Again

On Sunday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 40.1°C at Safdarjung, which is about three degrees higher than normal for this time of the year.

Some areas recorded even higher temperatures. The Ridge station in north Delhi saw 41.8°C, while Mungeshpur recorded 41°C. These figures show that the heat is already intensifying across different parts of the city.

Rain Brought Temporary Relief

Just a day earlier, Delhi experienced heavy rain along with lightning and strong winds. This sudden weather change brought temperatures below 40°C on Saturday, giving residents some relief.

However, this comfort did not last long. Clear skies and strong sunlight returned quickly, pushing temperatures back up.

Heatwave Warning from Midweek

The IMD has warned that a heatwave may affect isolated areas in Delhi from Wednesday to Friday. During this period, temperatures could reach between 41°C and 43°C.

On Monday and Tuesday, temperatures are expected to remain around 41-42°C before rising further later in the week.

Weather experts say that steady north-westerly winds and long hours of sunshine are the main reasons behind the rising heat. This pattern is also likely to impact nearby regions such as Punjab, Haryana, and north Rajasthan.

Who Is Most at Risk?

While many people can manage the heat, it can be dangerous for certain groups. Infants, elderly people, and those with existing health conditions are more at risk.

Exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heatstroke if proper care is not taken.

What Is a Heatwave?

According to the IMD, a heatwave is declared when the temperature reaches at least 40°C and is 4.5°C or more above normal.

It is also considered a heatwave if the temperature touches 45°C, regardless of the normal levels.

Recent Heatwave Trends in Delhi

Interestingly, Delhi has not recorded any heatwave days in April this year or in the past two years (2023 and 2024).

However, in 2025, the city saw three heatwave days in the second week of April. In 2022, Delhi experienced a severe heatwave spell with 11 such days during the month.

Night Temperatures Also Rising

The minimum temperature on Sunday was 21.7°C, which is close to normal. However, night temperatures are expected to rise gradually and may reach around 24°C by Thursday.

Warmer nights can make it harder for people to get relief from the daytime heat.

Air Quality Turns Poor Again

Along with rising temperatures, Delhi's air quality has worsened. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached 258, which falls under the "poor" category.
After the recent rain, AQI had improved to 152 (moderate) on Saturday. But the improvement was short-lived, and pollution levels are expected to remain high until at least Wednesday.

Delhi is heading into a hotter phase after a brief spell of rain. With temperatures expected to rise further and a heatwave warning in place, residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, and take necessary precautions.