Delhi-NCR is expected to witness severe heatwave conditions this week, with the IMD warning of rising temperatures, poor air quality, and increased health risks.
Commuters use umbrellas and caps to protect themselves from harsh sunlight during a hot summer day in New Delhi on May 15, 2026. (Photo: IANS)
Residents in Delhi and the National Capital Region are staring at another punishing spell of summer, with the India Meteorological Department warning that temperatures could climb up to 45 degrees Celsius over the next few days.
The weather office has forecast dry and extremely hot conditions in the region till May 23 and issued a yellow alert for May 19 and 20, asking people to limit outdoor movement during peak afternoon hours as heatwave conditions intensify across North India.
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The sharp rise in temperature comes at a time when large parts of northern and central India are already battling severe summer conditions. Meteorologists say daytime temperatures in Delhi are likely to rise by another 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next three days, pushing the mercury well above normal levels and increasing health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and outdoor workers.
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According to IMD criteria, a heatwave in the plains is declared when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius and remains significantly above normal. A severe heatwave is recorded once temperatures cross 45 degrees Celsius or remain over 6.4 degrees above average.
Delhi is expected to witness partly cloudy skies on Sunday, with chances of thunderstorms and gusty winds blowing at speeds of 20 to 30 kmph. Wind speeds could occasionally touch 40 kmph. However, officials said the brief cloud activity is unlikely to bring major relief from the scorching heat, with the maximum temperature expected to hover around 44 degrees Celsius.
Weather experts have also warned of uncomfortable nights ahead as minimum temperatures remain high, reducing chances of overnight cooling.
Apart from Delhi-NCR, heatwave conditions are expected in several states, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Chhattisgarh. Temperatures in the western Himalayan region are also likely to rise by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius in the coming days.
While northern India battles extreme heat, parts of the Northeast and southern states are expected to receive moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh may witness unstable weather activity this week.
The rising heat has also coincided with deteriorating air quality in several parts of the national capital. Data from monitoring stations showed air quality levels remaining in the “poor” category at multiple locations.
Among the affected areas were Anand Vihar (239), Dwarka Sector-8 (222), Wazirpur (222), Rohini (201), Pusa (199), and IIT Delhi (175).
Doctors and health experts have urged people to drink plenty of water, wear light cotton clothes and avoid stepping out in direct sunlight during the afternoon hours, especially between noon and 4 pm. They have also advised residents to keep an eye on children, elderly family members and those with health conditions as the heatwave intensifies.
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