Delhi braces for severe heatwave as mercury may hit 45°C

The Capital is staring at an intense spell of heat this week, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning that temperatures in Delhi could climb close to 45 degrees Celsius over the next few days.

According to the IMD, maximum temperatures in Delhi are expected to rise by around 2 to 3 degrees Celsius during the next three days, pushing the city into severe heatwave conditions. Weather officials said hot winds and unusually warm nights were likely to add to public discomfort, especially during afternoon hours.

On Sunday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 41.9 degrees Celsius, while the minimum settled at 25.9 degrees Celsius. The weather department has forecasted a further rise in temperature, with the mercury likely to touch 44 degrees Celsius on Monday.

The IMD has also issued a yellow alert for Tuesday and Wednesday, warning of heatwave conditions across the Capital. During this period, maximum temperatures are expected to hover around 44 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures may remain between 27 and 28 degrees Celsius.

The IMD usually declares a heatwave in plains such as Delhi when temperatures cross 40 degrees Celsius and remain significantly above normal levels. A severe heatwave is declared when temperatures rise more than 6.4 degrees Celsius above normal levels or exceed 45 degrees Celsius.

Weather experts warned that prolonged exposure to such conditions could pose serious health risks, particularly for children, senior citizens and people working outdoors for long hours. The IMD has predicted that temperatures may begin to ease slightly following Thursday, with the maximum likely to settle around 42 degrees Celsius for the remainder of the week.