Overview
In mid-May 2026, the National Capital Territory of Delhi was forecast to experience a severe heatwave, with maximum temperatures expected to climb close to 45 °C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued advisories cautioning residents about extended periods of intense daytime heat, dry westerly winds, and elevated risks of heat-related illness across the National Capital Region (NCR).
Key facts
| Region affected | Delhi and adjoining NCR districts |
|---|---|
| Forecast peak temperature | Around 45 °C |
| Phenomenon | Severe heatwave |
| Issuing agency | India Meteorological Department (IMD) |
| Period | Mid to late May 2026 |
| Primary cause | Hot, dry westerly winds from Rajasthan and the Thar region |
Background
Delhi typically records its hottest weather between late April and mid-June, before the arrival of the southwest monsoon. Under IMD criteria, a heatwave is declared in the plains when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40 °C and is 4.5–6.4 °C above the normal seasonal average. A "severe" heatwave is declared when the departure from normal exceeds 6.4 °C, or when the absolute maximum crosses 47 °C.
The capital's heatwave episodes are largely driven by dry, hot winds blowing in from the Thar Desert and western Rajasthan, combined with clear skies, low soil moisture, and the urban heat island effect produced by dense construction, limited green cover, and heavy vehicular activity.
Meteorological context
Delhi's official temperature is recorded at the Safdarjung observatory, while stations at Palam, Ridge, Ayanagar, Lodi Road, and Najafgarh provide additional readings. During severe heatwave spells, outlying stations such as Najafgarh and Mungeshpur frequently report higher maxima than central Delhi due to their proximity to open, arid terrain west of the city.
Health and civic impact
- Increased incidence of heatstroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion, particularly among outdoor workers, the elderly, and children.
- Higher peak electricity demand, primarily driven by air-conditioning load; Delhi has historically set new power demand records during such spells.
- Stress on water supply managed by the Delhi Jal Board.
- Advisories from authorities to limit outdoor exposure between 12:00 and 16:00 hours.
Advisories and precautions
- Stay hydrated with water, lemon water, lassi, and oral rehydration solutions.
- Avoid direct sun exposure during peak afternoon hours.
- Wear light-coloured, loose cotton clothing and use head coverings outdoors.
- Schools and employers are commonly advised to adjust timings during severe spells.
- Workplaces handling outdoor labour are encouraged to provide shaded rest periods.
Significance
Recurring severe heatwaves in Delhi have become a focus of climate adaptation planning. The Delhi government, in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), has been working on a city-level Heat Action Plan that includes early warning dissemination, cooling shelters, hospital preparedness, and public communication campaigns. Climate research increasingly links the rising frequency and intensity of such events in northern India to global warming trends.
Related topics
- Heatwaves in India
- India Meteorological Department
- Climate of Delhi
- National Capital Region
- Heat Action Plan
- Urban heat island
- National Disaster Management Authority
References
- NDTV, "Delhi To Face Severe Heatwave Soon, Temperature May Hit 45 Degrees Celsius", 17 May 2026.
- India Meteorological Department, regional weather bulletins, Regional Meteorological Centre, New Delhi.