IMD issues ‘red alert’ as severe heatwave grips Capital; Ayanagar hottest at 45 degrees Celsius

A woman shield herself from the sun near India Gate.
| Photo Credit: ANUSHKA KOGTA

With Delhi experiencing a severe heatwave, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued a ‘red alert’ in the national capital.

During a red alert — the highest-level warning — residents are advised to “take action”, stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure, and limit outdoor movement, especially during peak afternoon hours.

The daytime temperatures continued to rise with Safdarjung — Delhi’s official weather station — recording a high of 43.3 degrees Celsius. The station at Ayanagar registered the highest temperature on Wednesday with a maximum of 45 degrees Celsius.

‘No respite till Friday’

High temperatures are likely to persist till Friday, after which thunderstorms are expected to bring temporary relief, the IMD said.

It added that the temperatures in the city’s various weather stations were three to four degrees Celsius above normal.

“By June 14-17, Delhi could see a dip in temperatures from 37-42 degrees Celsius, accompanied by light to moderate rain and gusty winds, potentially easing the ongoing heat stress,” read the IMD bulletin.

Meanwhile, Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh on Wednesday inaugurated a water ATM at a government school in Daryaganj, as part of the government’s drive to address heat-related challenges.

‘Heat-resilient Delhi’

“No one in Delhi should go thirsty, especially in the harsh summer. Our government is committed to building a hydration-secure, heat-resilient Capital. This is just the beginning,” Mr. Singh said, adding that more such facilities will be set up at other schools and public spaces in the city.