Weather Forecast: Delhi To Face Severe Heatwave; IMD Issues Two-day Yellow Alert Amid 45°C Heat

New Delhi: Residents in Delhi are reeling under the impact of hot winds and intense sunshine. The Meteorological Department has issued a 'Yellow Alert' for two days this week, warning of a heatwave across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The maximum temperature in Delhi this week is expected to reach up to 45 degrees Celsius.

According to the Meteorological Department, Delhi may face severe distress due to scorching heat in the coming days. Just a day earlier, on Saturday, the maximum temperature recorded at Safdarjung was 40.8 degrees—slightly above normal—while the minimum temperature stood at 24.8 degrees. This marks the second time this month that the maximum temperature in Delhi has crossed the 40-degree mark.

What is IMD Forecast?

The Meteorological Department has issued a warning regarding severe heat conditions across Delhi and the NCR today and tomorrow—specifically May 17 and 18. During this period of adverse weather, there is a possibility of strong winds blowing at speeds ranging from 20 to 30 kilometers per hour. At times during the day, wind speeds could even reach up to 40 kilometers per hour.

What is IMD Yellow Alert for Heatwave?

The Meteorological Department has issued a 'Yellow Alert' for a heatwave across various parts of Delhi and the NCR on May 19 and 20. On May 19, during the heatwave spell in Delhi-NCR, strong, hot winds are expected to blow at speeds between 15 and 25 kilometers per hour. Occasionally during the day, gusts of hot wind could reach speeds of up to 35 kilometers per hour.

Could Temperatures Soar Up to 45 Degrees Celsius?

According to the Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature in Delhi is expected to range between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius on May 18, 19, and 20. Following this, a slight decline in temperatures is anticipated. As per the department's forecast, the maximum temperature in Delhi is expected to hover around 42 to 44 degrees Celsius on May 21, 22, and 23. Overall, both Delhi and the NCR are set to face severe heat conditions throughout this week.

What About Conditions in the Rest of the Country?

Turning to the rest of the country, intense sunshine and severe heatwaves are likely to prevail this week across the plains of Northwest and Central India. Meanwhile, scattered light to moderate rainfall—accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds—is expected in isolated pockets of Jammu & Kashmir on May 19 and 20, and in Uttarakhand between May 20 and 23. Additionally, heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast in some areas of Northeast India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, West Bengal, and Sikkim over the next 6–7 days; similar conditions are anticipated in parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Lakshadweep, and the southern regions of Karnataka over the coming 3 days.