Delhi heatwave intensifies: humidity rise worsens 45°C scorch—what’s next?

Delhi faces an escalating heatwave with temperatures nearing 45°C and a 'real feel' of 49°C, compounded by a 6-9% rise in humidity over the last decade. The IMD's red alert signals continued extreme heat and health risks, while forecasts hint at relief only after mid-June.

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Updated 1h ago

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Delhi is grappling with an intensifying heatwave as temperatures soar to nearly 45.3°C in some areas, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing red and orange alerts for the coming days.

The city recorded its hottest day of the season on Monday, with Safdarjung at 43.4°C, Palam at 44.3°C, and Aya Nagar peaking at 45.3°C. This marks a rise of 1 to 2 degrees compared to the previous day.

Humidity levels have surged between 25% and 70%, pushing the "real feel" temperature to a stifling 49°C, exacerbating discomfort for residents. Vishwas Chitale, Senior Programme Lead at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), noted a 6–9% rise in relative humidity over the past decade in Delhi.

The IMD forecasts that temperatures will remain in the 44-45°C range till Thursday, with the national capital under a yellow alert for four days due to hot and humid conditions. Light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is expected in parts of North India, potentially offering some relief.

Air quality has deteriorated sharply, with the AQI reaching 219 on Monday morning, adding to health concerns amid the heatwave.

In neighboring Uttar Pradesh, 19 districts including Kanpur, Agra, and Jhansi are also experiencing severe heat.

The IMD's warnings and rising temperatures underscore the urgent need for residents to take precautions as the heatwave persists, with some improvement expected after June 12.

"Delhi has seen a 6–9% rise in relative humidity over the past decade," said Vishwas Chitale, highlighting the growing challenge of heat compounded by humidity.

The combination of soaring temperatures, increased humidity, and poor air quality is creating a dangerous environment, prompting authorities to maintain high alert levels and advise caution.

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Delhi is enduring a severe heatwave with temperatures reaching 45.3°C and humidity pushing the real feel to 49°C, prompting red and orange alerts from the Indian Meteorological Department. The heatwave, coupled with rising humidity and worsening air quality, is expected to persist for several days.

The Headline

Delhi hits 45°C with red alert; humidity worsens heat

Delhi has seen a 6-9% rise in relative humidity over the past decade.

Vishwas Chitale

Senior Programme Lead at the Council on Energy

Key Facts

Delhi recorded nearly 45 degrees Celsius in several parts, marking the hottest days of the season with Aya Nagar at 45.3°C and Ridge at 44.9°C.
IMD initially issued a yellow alert forecasting temperatures around 44-45 degrees Celsius till Thursday, later escalating to a red alert for the next three days as temperatures touched nearly 45 degrees Celsius.
Air quality worsened with AQI reaching 219 amid the heatwave, adding to the health risks for residents.1
The 'real feel' temperature soared to 49 degrees Celsius due to humidity levels ranging from 25% to 70%, intensifying the heat discomfort.1
An orange alert remains in place for Tuesday and Wednesday with temperatures forecast between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius, indicating persistent extreme heat conditions.1

Key Stats at a Glance

Temperature recorded at Safdarjung

43.4°C

Temperature recorded at Palam

44.3°C

Temperature recorded at Lodi Road

43.3°C

Temperature recorded at Ridge

44.9°C

Temperature recorded at Aya Nagar

45.3°C

Forecast temperature range in Delhi till Thursday

44-45°C

Duration of red alert issued by IMD for Delhi

3 days

Temperature touching nearly

45°C

Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi

219 AQI

Real feel temperature in Delhi

49°C

Humidity range in Delhi

25%-70%

Duration of orange alert

2 days

Forecast temperature range during orange alert

43-45°C

IMD forecasts rain; UP heatwave worsens regional impact

Key Facts

IMD forecasted light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms over parts of North India, expected to bring relief after the heatwave.1
Uttar Pradesh experienced a severe heatwave affecting 19 districts including Kanpur, Agra, and Jhansi, highlighting the widespread impact of the heatwave in the region.
Experts note a 6-9% rise in Delhi's relative humidity over the past decade, which has exacerbated heat discomfort and increased the 'real feel' temperature.1

Key Stats at a Glance

Number of districts affected by heatwave in Uttar Pradesh

19 districts

Rise in Delhi's relative humidity over past decade

6-9%

Delhi heatwave intensifies: humidity rise worsens 45°C scorch—what’s next?

Delhi hits 45°C with red alert; humidity worsens heat

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IMD forecasts rain; UP heatwave worsens regional impact

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Delhi heatwave intensifies: humidity rise worsens 45°C scorch—what’s next?

Delhi hits 45°C with red alert; humidity worsens heat

Related Videos

IMD forecasts rain; UP heatwave worsens regional impact

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