Delhi bakes at 45°C as IMD warns of severe heatwave conditions ahead

Delhi bakes at 45°C as IMD warns of severe heatwave conditions ahead

Delhi reeled under intense heat on Monday as temperatures touched 45 degrees Celsius, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that heatwave conditions are likely to intensify across large parts of north and central India over the next four to five days.

According to IMD’s temperature grid for May 18, Delhi recorded around 45°C during the afternoon hours, while Nagpur in Maharashtra touched 46°C. Meteorologists also flagged isolated pockets across central India where temperatures were nearing a blistering 48°C.

The weather office has issued a heatwave warning for east Rajasthan and adjoining central India, along with parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, eastern Gujarat and pockets of Maharashtra.

The latest spell marks one of the most widespread and severe heat episodes of the season so far, with dry continental winds and intense solar heating combining to rapidly push temperatures higher across inland regions.

Large parts of the Indo-Gangetic plains and central India are already experiencing harsh daytime conditions, with several cities crossing 44°C even before the peak afternoon heating period.

Meteorologists say the absence of widespread thunderstorm activity and cloud cover has allowed land surfaces to heat up rapidly. In many regions, hot westerly and northwesterly winds blowing from Rajasthan and adjoining Pakistan are further aggravating conditions.

The IMD defines a heatwave when maximum temperatures cross 40°C in plains and remain significantly above normal levels. In severe heatwave conditions, temperatures often exceed 45°C and can become dangerous for prolonged outdoor exposure.

Health experts have warned that such extreme heat significantly increases the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, especially among children, elderly people and outdoor workers.

Authorities have advised people to avoid direct sun exposure during afternoon hours, stay hydrated, wear light clothing and reduce strenuous outdoor activities wherever possible.

The ongoing heatwave is also raising concerns about rising electricity demand as air-conditioner and cooling usage spikes across major cities. Water demand has similarly surged in several states facing prolonged dry conditions.

Scientists say climate change is making heatwaves across India longer, more frequent and more intense. Recent years have seen increasingly erratic summer patterns, where extreme heat is often followed by sudden thunderstorms, dust storms or short bursts of intense rainfall.

The IMD expects temperatures to remain above normal across many parts of northwest and central India through the coming week before any major weather system brings widespread relief.

For now, much of northern India remains trapped under a massive dome of dry heat, with the worst possibly still ahead.

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