Delhi continued to reel under extreme heatwave conditions on Tuesday, recording its hottest day of the season at 43.8°C, while Rajasthan was placed under a red alert for severe heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts for several northern and eastern states, warning residents to brace for prolonged high temperatures and heat-related health risks.
As the region awaits the arrival of the southwest monsoon, the oppressive weather is expected to persist until at least June 12, with Delhi and other parts of northwest India facing some of the most punishing conditions in recent memory.
Delhi’s Heatwave Intensifies: 43.8°C and Rising
Tuesday saw Delhi surpass its previous season high, with Safdarjung recording 43.8°C, nearly 3.6°C above normal. Other areas like Ayanagar and Palam also crossed the 45°C threshold, officially placing them under heatwave to severe heatwave conditions.
The IMD had earlier issued an orange alert for Delhi, valid until Wednesday, cautioning residents about prolonged exposure to heat during peak hours (12 PM to 4 PM), increased risk of dehydration, and high night temperatures—which are hovering near 29°C, offering no real respite.
What’s Causing the Intense Heat?
The IMD attributes the ongoing heatwave to the weakening of recent western disturbances, which has left residual moisture in the region. While moisture typically brings rainfall, in this case, it has only intensified discomfort by increasing humidity and suppressing cloud formation.
With no immediate weather systems to provide relief, temperatures are expected to remain in the 43–45°C range in Delhi and neighboring states for the next few days.
Rajasthan Under Red Alert
The situation is even more critical in Rajasthan, where the IMD has issued a red alert for extreme heat, especially in districts like Ganganagar, Churu, Barmer, and Bikaner, where temperatures have crossed 46°C. The combination of dry winds, barren terrain, and delayed monsoon has created near furnace-like conditions.
The state is also experiencing low nighttime cooling, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and placing an enormous burden on power and water resources.
Even the Hills Are Hot: Himachal Pradesh Feels the Heat
In a rare phenomenon, hill stations across Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla and Manali, are reporting above-normal maximum temperatures. Una stood out with a blistering 44.2°C—one of the highest recorded temperatures in the hill state this year.
Although some light rainfall is forecast for June 13–14, the Himachal MeT department expects dry weather to prevail till June 12, meaning that even the usual summer getaway destinations offer little relief from the heat.
When Will Relief Come? IMD’s Monsoon Outlook
According to the IMD, Delhi may see its first signs of relief around June 12, when light rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds (30–40 km/h) are likely to bring down daytime highs by 3–5°C. However, this won’t be a full-scale arrival of the monsoon—just a temporary break in the heat.
The southwest monsoon, which arrived early in Kerala on May 24, is currently in a brief lull and hasn’t yet reached northwest India. Its normal onset in Delhi is around June 27, but an early arrival is still possible depending on upcoming weather systems.
Health Advisory: Staying Safe Amidst the Heat
With heatwaves expected to continue through the week, here are key precautions for residents of Delhi, Rajasthan, and surrounding regions:
-
Avoid going outdoors during peak heat hours (12 PM – 4 PM)
-
Stay hydrated: Drink at least 3–4 liters of water daily
-
Wear loose, light-colored cotton clothes
-
Use cooling methods like wet towels or fans if AC is unavailable
-
Check on elderly, children, and pets, who are more vulnerable
-
Keep electronic gadgets shaded and cool to prevent overheating
Conclusion: A Call for Urban Climate Resilience
The current heatwave crisis serves as a glaring reminder of how vulnerable India’s urban regions are to climate extremes. With urban heat islands, air pollution, and limited green cover, cities like Delhi and Jaipur are turning into pressure cookers each summer.
As temperatures continue to rise year after year, urban planning, climate-resilient infrastructure, and community preparedness must become key focus areas. For now, however, Delhi and the northern plains remain in the hot seat—both literally and figuratively.
