Delhi is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with 'feels like' temperatures soaring to a dangerous 54.4 degrees Celsius on Thursday, June 12, 2025. This extreme heat is a result of high temperatures combined with elevated humidity levels, making it feel significantly hotter than the actual recorded temperature. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the region, indicating that heatwave conditions are expected to persist.
The city's base weather station at Safdarjung recorded a maximum temperature of 43.9 degrees Celsius on Thursday, which is four degrees above normal for this time of year. This follows a high of 43.8 degrees Celsius on Tuesday and 43.3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. The minimum temperature was also elevated, reaching 30.7 degrees Celsius, three notches above the seasonal average, contributing to discomfort even during the night. Humidity levels have been fluctuating between 39% and 73%, exacerbating the impact of the high temperatures.
The "feels like" temperature, also known as the heat index, is a measure of how hot it actually feels to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature. High humidity hinders the evaporation of sweat, which is the body's natural cooling mechanism. This makes it harder for people to regulate their body temperature, leading to a greater risk of heat-related illnesses. Mahesh Palawat, vice-chairman of Meteorology and Climate Change at Skymet, explained that a high heat index is very dangerous because it impairs the body's ability to cool down.
While most city stations didn't meet the official heatwave criteria, Mungeshpur in northwest Delhi recorded 45.2 degrees Celsius, qualifying as a heatwave. The IMD clarified that this was the first validated reading from Mungeshpur in nearly a year, after a sensor replacement. The station had been taken offline last June due to an erroneous reading.
The IMD has predicted a gradual fall in temperatures starting today, June 13, with the possibility of thunderstorms and rain bringing some relief. A yellow alert has been issued for Friday, with expectations of "heatwaves in isolated places". The forecast includes partly cloudy skies with a chance of thunderstorms and rain later in the day. Gusty winds reaching up to 60 kmph are also expected. This respite is attributed to the confluence of moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea over the plains of northwest India.
In light of the extreme heat, health officials have issued advisories urging people to take precautions. These include staying indoors during peak hours (12:00 noon to 3:00 pm), drinking plenty of water, wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, and avoiding strenuous activities in the sun. The Health Ministry has also advised against consuming alcohol, tea, coffee, and sugary drinks, as these can lead to dehydration. People are also cautioned against leaving children or pets in parked vehicles. It's recommended to call emergency services (108/102) immediately if someone exhibits symptoms of heatstroke, such as high body temperature, confusion, or unconsciousness.
The extended forecast suggests that the southwest monsoon is likely to advance over most parts of northwest India, including Delhi, between June 19 and 25. The normal arrival date for the monsoon in Delhi is around June 30. Until then, residents are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the ongoing heatwave.
