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Delhi swelters under extreme heat as heat index hits a dangerous 51.9°C—Red Alert issued; IMD warns of continued heatwave until June 13.
India’s capital, Delhi, is currently facing extreme weather conditions, with the heat index reaching a staggering 51.9 degrees Celsius. Following this dangerous rise in perceived temperature, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert across the city.
According to IMD forecasts, this intense heatwave is expected to persist until June 13. The warning was officially reported by NDTV on Thursday, June 12.
On Wednesday, various parts of Delhi experienced scorching temperatures ranging between 40.9°C and 45°C. The added humidity pushed the heat index—an indicator of what the temperature “feels like”—to an alarming 51.9°C, posing serious health risks.
At 5:30 PM on Wednesday, Ayanagar recorded the highest temperature at 45°C. Other hotspots included Palam (44.5°C), Ridge (43.6°C), Pitampura (43.5°C), Lodi Road (43.4°C), Mayur Vihar (40.9°C), and Safdarjung (43.3°C).
While the IMD has clarified that the heat index is not yet officially standardized for Indian weather conditions and no formal government records are kept, it acknowledged that such extreme values depend on a combination of temperature and relative humidity.
As of now, heatwave conditions have been officially recorded only in Ayanagar, although several stations had reported similar conditions the day before.
Looking ahead, weather authorities predict that a western disturbance may enter northwestern India after June 13, potentially bringing light rain and thunderstorms to Delhi, which could offer some relief from the current heat.
In the meantime, IMD has urged residents to take immediate precautions. With temperatures expected to remain in the 43°C to 45°C range, accompanied by gusty winds of 40–60 km/h and possible evening showers, the public is advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure, and limit outdoor activities during peak hours.
A Red Alert signifies a severe risk to health, especially for vulnerable groups, and calls for urgent protective measures.
