The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow heatwave alert for Delhi and the National Capital Region for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, warning residents of intense daytime heat and hot, dry winds as temperatures are forecast to reach 44–45°C over the next few days. The advisory cautions against rising heat stress and urges people to limit prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours.
The alert follows Delhi’s hottest day of the season on Monday, when Safdarjung-the city’s base weather station-recorded a maximum of 43.4°C, about 3°C above normal. Other areas recorded even higher readings: Ridge 44.6°C and Ayanagar 44.4°C. Forecasts show temperatures remaining between 43°C and 45°C on Tuesday and Wednesday, then easing slightly to around 42°C–44°C later in the week, with surface winds of 35–40 km/h expected during daytime.
Weather experts attribute the prolonged heat to a lack of active western disturbances and limited pre-monsoon rainfall across north India, which have reduced cooling and allowed daytime temperatures to surge. Long-range guidance currently indicates Delhi will remain largely hot and dry for the next 15 days, with no immediate sign of widespread rain to bring substantial relief.
The IMD also said the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Kerala around May 26, 2026, with a margin of error of four days either side, meaning the onset could be slightly earlier or later depending on evolving conditions. The monsoon’s arrival is closely watched for its implications on agriculture, reservoir levels and relief from summer heat.
To clarify how heatwaves are classified, the IMD defines a heatwave in plains as temperatures of at least 40°C that are 4.5°C or more above normal, or any instance of 45°C or above regardless of the anomaly. A severe heatwave is declared when temperatures exceed normal by 6.5°C or more, typically persisting across two weather stations in a subdivision for two consecutive days.
Delhi’s air quality has shown deterioration alongside rising temperatures; the Central Pollution Control Board recorded an AQI of about 173–174 (moderate), with forecasts warning it could fall into the “poor” category later this week. Officials and health experts warn that the combination of heat and pollution increases the risk of respiratory and heat-related illnesses, particularly for children, the elderly and people with underlying conditions. Meanwhile, peak power demand hit 7,542 MW on Monday-the highest so far this summer-as cooling use surged, and authorities warn demand could exceed 9,000 MW later in the season if temperatures continue to rise.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/imd-warns-of-extreme-heat-in-delhi-as-temperatures-soar-above-normal-issues-yellow-alert-ws-e-14012676.html
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Publish Date: 2026-05-19 10:00:00
