Delhi weather forecast: IMD issues red alert as mercury soars beyond 45 degrees Celsius

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued a red alert for Delhi as the city grapples with an intense heatwave, with maximum temperatures soaring to 45.5 degrees Celsius in several areas.

The maximum alert comes amid a forecast of continuing extreme conditions over the next two days. However, there may be some relief on June 13 night and June 14 as the western disturbances are likely to bring light showers.

According to the IMD's daily weather bulletin issued at 2 pm, "Heatwave conditions are likely to prevail at many places across Delhi-NCR," with temperatures ranging between 44 degrees Celsius and 46 degrees Celsius.


Safdarjung recorded 43.8 degrees Celsius, while Ayanagar registered the highest at 45.5 degrees Celsius — both significantly above normal.

Humidity levels in the capital remained moderate at 39 per cent during the early hours, but the combination of heat and dry south-westerly winds has worsened the discomfort.

A red alert implies a “take action” warning, urging residents to avoid heat exposure, remain hydrated and limit outdoor activity. It warns of a very high likelihood of developing heat illness and heat stroke in all ages and advises extreme care for vulnerable people.

The capital is enduring a slow-burn siege, as the season's harshest heatwave tightens its grip — without much warning, without much mercy.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast intense heat over Delhi through midweek, with temperatures already nudging record territory and the city staring down another day near 45°C.

On Tuesday, Delhi recorded its highest temperature of the season — a searing 43.8°C, 3.6 degrees above normal — with the heat index pushing the limits of urban tolerance.

Meteorologists attribute the worsening conditions to the weakening of recent western disturbances, which, after departing, have left behind trapped moisture. This, coupled with the absence of monsoonal winds over northwestern India, has made the heat not just intense, but also oppressively humid.

According to the IMD, daytime highs are expected to hover near 45°C, with nights barely dipping below 29°C, offering little respite.

There is a faint possibility of relief from June 12, with isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) predicted, but the forecast remains uncertain and conditional on wind pattern shifts.

Delhi's AQI slips to ‘poor’ at 227

Delhi woke to another sultry morning on Wednesday, with the minimum temperature settling at 27.2 °C.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has kept an orange alert in force through the day, warning residents to limit outdoor exposure as the ongoing heat spell is expected to last at least until June 12.

At 8:30 am the relative humidity stood at 39 %, while the maximum temperature is forecast to climb to around 45 °C.

Compounding the discomfort, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 227 at 9 am, falling squarely in the ‘poor’ bracket.

An AQI in the 201–300 range can cause breathing difficulty for sensitive groups, especially when paired with high temperatures. Authorities have advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during peak afternoon hours, and keep an eye on vulnerable populations as both mercury and pollution levels remain elevated.

Rajasthan under a blazing red alert

If Delhi is simmering, parts of Rajasthan are ablaze. Ganganagar has recorded over 47°C for two days in a row, prompting the IMD to issue a red alert for western Rajasthan on June 11 and 12.

An orange alert has been announced for June 13, with yellow alerts for eastern districts following close behind. Relief is not expected before June 15–16, when thunderstorm activity may bring marginal cooling.

North India’s discomfort zone widens

The heatwave is not limited to Delhi and Rajasthan. In Ludhiana, IMD issued a yellow alert through Thursday, with temperatures hovering around 44°C. Himachal Pradesh — typically a refuge from the plains — is reporting temperatures well above normal, with Una logging 44.2°C.

Even hill stations like Shimla and Manali are warmer than usual. Light rain is expected across Himachal on June 13–14, but until then, dry heat will dominate.

As North India bakes under a dome of hot air, Delhi’s weather remains emblematic of the broader regional crisis — quiet, persistent, and increasingly hard to ignore.

(With inputs from ANI, PTI)