Delhi is currently under a red alert due to a severe heatwave, with the heat index reaching a staggering 51.9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued this alert, the highest level of warning, urging residents to take immediate action to protect themselves from the extreme heat. The maximum temperatures recorded across various weather stations in Delhi ranged from 40.9 to 45.5 degrees Celsius, significantly above normal for this time of year. In particular, Ayanagar registered the highest temperature at 45.5 degrees Celsius.
The red alert, which signifies that urgent action is needed, is in effect for Wednesday and Thursday, June 12. The IMD has warned that heatwave conditions are very likely to persist across Delhi-NCR, with temperatures expected to range between 44 and 46 degrees Celsius. This intense heat poses a significant risk of heat illness and heatstroke for people of all ages, with vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions being particularly at risk. Residents are strongly advised to avoid heat exposure, stay hydrated, and limit outdoor activities during this period.
While the heatwave continues to grip the city, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The IMD forecasts that some relief is expected starting the night of June 13 and continuing into June 14, thanks to an approaching western disturbance. This weather system is likely to bring light rain and thunderstorms to the region, which should help to lower temperatures and provide some respite from the scorching heat. In anticipation of this change, the red alert is expected to be downgraded to an orange alert on June 13.
The current heatwave is not limited to Delhi alone. Northwest India, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, are also experiencing severe heatwave conditions. Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan recorded a blistering 48.0 degrees Celsius, the highest in the country. A red warning has been issued for Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan, alongside Delhi, while an orange warning has been put in place for Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
Adding to the challenges, Delhi's air quality has also declined, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 225 on Wednesday afternoon, placing it in the "poor" category. This double burden of extreme heat and poor air quality makes it even more critical for residents to take necessary precautions to protect their health.
The IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies for June 12 and 13, accompanied by dusty winds gusting up to 60 kmph during potential thunderstorms. Maximum temperatures are expected to decrease slightly after June 14, with light to moderate rainfall anticipated, bringing further relief from the ongoing heat. The southwest monsoon, which had stalled near Maharashtra's coast, is expected to revive in the next few days, potentially bringing more widespread rainfall to the region in the longer term.
