Red Alert for Heatwave in Delhi and Punjab: Extreme Weather

As the mercury continues its unrelenting ascent, large parts of northern India—particularly Delhi and Punjab—are under a red alert due to severe heatwave conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for extreme weather, urging the public to take serious precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. With real-feel temperatures soaring as high as 52°C in Delhi, authorities are closely monitoring the situation while forecasting a possible respite starting June 13.

Unprecedented Heatwave Grips Delhi

Delhi remained in the throes of a severe heatwave on Wednesday, with the IMD issuing a red alert across the National Capital Region. Actual temperatures across the city ranged between 40.9°C and 45.0°C. However, the heat index—a measure that combines temperature and humidity to determine the “feels like” temperature—hit an alarming 51.9°C.

Area-wise Temperature Readings (as of 5:30 PM, Wednesday)

Ayanagar: 45.0°C (Highest)
Palam: 44.5°C
Ridge: 43.6°C
Pitampura: 43.5°C
Lodi Road: 43.4°C
Safdarjung (base station): 43.3°C
Mayur Vihar: 40.9°C

Despite the actual temperature readings, it was the oppressive combination of heat and humidity that made conditions unbearable. For instance, Ayanagar’s 45°C real temperature felt like 51.9°C, surpassing the dangerous threshold for human tolerance.

IMD Clarification: The heat index is not officially validated or recorded in India, as it varies greatly depending on relative humidity and temperature throughout the day.

Power Demand Hits Record High in Delhi

As the city battled extreme heat, Delhi also recorded its highest power consumption of the summer. According to the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC), the city's electricity demand peaked at 8,231 MW at 10:55 PM on Wednesday, a reflection of widespread use of cooling appliances and air conditioners.

IMD Forecast: Relief After June 13

Though the heatwave persists, the IMD forecasts a change beginning Friday night, June 14, due to an incoming western disturbance. The capital may see light rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds up to 50-60 km/h, offering temporary respite from the intense heat.

IMD scientist Dr. Naresh Kumar stated:

“The severe heat is expected to persist till Thursday. A western disturbance is likely to bring light rain and thunderstorms in Delhi starting June 13 night.”

From June 14 to 17, the IMD has forecast no major heatwave spells for Delhi. While isolated areas may still see high temperatures, general relief in the form of cloudy skies, reduced temperatures, and sporadic rainfall is anticipated.

Red Alert for Heatwave in Delhi and Punjab

Key Forecast Points for Delhi

June 13 (Thursday): Heatwave to continue; maximum temperature between 43°C and 45°C
June 14 (Friday): Yellow alert issued; slight decline in temperature expected
June 16–17: Moderate rainfall expected with generally cloudy skies
June 18–20: Possible monsoonal advancement across North India

Real-Feel Temperature Soars to 52°C

The adjoining areas of Delhi — including Noida, Gurgaon, and other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) — have also been grappling with extreme weather. IMD maintained a red alert across NCR on Thursday. The “real-feel” temperature in Delhi touched a near-unbearable 52°C in certain localities like Ayanagar, exacerbated by high humidity and stagnant winds. According to IMD records:

Actual temperature: Peaked at 45.0°C in Ayanagar
Heat index: Reached 51.9°C by 5:30 PM
Hot, dry north-westerly winds blowing at speeds up to 18 km/h
Relative humidity levels fluctuating between 31% and 73%

Health Impact: Hospitals Report Surge in Heatstroke Cases

Hospitals across Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon have reported a notable increase in heat-related illnesses, particularly:

Heatstroke
Dehydration
Low blood pressure
Disorientation and high fever

“This heat is dangerous even for healthy individuals. For the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing conditions, it can be life-threatening,” said a senior doctor from a Gurugram government hospital.

Toxic Air Exacerbates Health Risks

To compound the weather crisis, air quality in Delhi worsened on Thursday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) ranged between 227 and 245 — categorized as "very unhealthy" — amplifying the dangers of respiratory distress, especially when combined with heat stress.

Punjab Under Red Alert: June 12–13

Neighboring Punjab is also grappling with extreme heat. The IMD issued a red alert for June 12 and 13, as temperatures remained significantly above normal amid dry conditions. The weather department warned of continued heatwave to severe heatwave conditions over northwest India and the western Himalayan region till June 13.

IMD Advisory for Punjab and Haryana

Heatwave warnings for vulnerable populations including the elderly and children
Expected relief through localized rain and gusty winds from June 13
Schools remain shut for summer vacations; however, outdoor activities are discouraged

Wider Impact Across North and South India

Haryana is facing similar heatwave conditions as Delhi and Punjab, although light rain may offer some relief starting June 13.
Schools are shut for summer vacations, but outdoor activities and work remain a concern.
Tourist destinations like Nainital are witnessing severe overcrowding as families from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana flee the heat, causing heavy traffic in parts of Uttarakhand.

Meanwhile, in Southern India:

The IMD has forecast active monsoon conditions over Kerala, Konkan, and Goa from June 12–15, with isolated areas expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall. The monsoon is likely to reach Himachal Pradesh by June 20 and Punjab by around June 27.

Heatwave Definitions and Criteria

As per IMD norms:

A heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is ≥ 45°C or 4.5°C–6.4°C above normal.
A severe heatwave is declared when temperatures exceed 47°C or are more than 6.4°C above normal.

On Wednesday:

Safdarjung: 43.3°C (3.4°C above normal)
Ayanagar: 45°C (3.5°C above normal and meets heatwave threshold)
Nighttime lows also dipped, with minimum temperature at Safdarjung settling at 27.2°C, slightly below normal.

Precautionary Guidelines Issued by Authorities

Both IMD and health officials have issued guidelines to protect public health during the heatwave.

General Safety Tips

Stay Indoors: Avoid stepping out between 11 AM and 4 PM
Hydration: Drink ample water, ORS, coconut water; avoid alcohol and caffeine
Clothing: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting cotton garments
Sunscreen: Use SPF 30+ to prevent sunburn
Diet: Eat light, hydrating foods and avoid heavy meals
Monitor vulnerable people: Check on the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses

If You Must Go Outdoors

Use umbrellas, hats, or scarves to shield from direct sunlight
Carry water and take frequent breaks in shaded areas
Opt for electrolyte-rich beverages
Recognize early signs of heat illness

Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat Exhaustion: Profuse sweating, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, fatigue
Heat Stroke: High body temp, dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion, vomiting, seizures

Immediate medical attention is crucial if these symptoms are observed.

A Critical Weekend for Weather Relief

While Delhi and much of northwest India remain under the grip of an intense heatwave, meteorologists remain hopeful that the incoming western disturbance by June 13 night will finally bring down temperatures and offer much-needed respite. The public is advised to remain vigilant, stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary exposure to heat, and look out for the elderly and children.

The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely and will update its advisories as new data emerges.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies