Scorching heatwave conditions continue across Delhi-NCR on Friday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for the national capital and adjoining regions amid rising temperatures and prolonged hot weather conditions.
Temperatures have risen sharply across the region over the past few days, making outdoor activities increasingly difficult for residents.
A jogger told IANS that mornings, which were earlier pleasant, have become significantly hotter over the last four to five days. “The weather remains manageable till around 8 or 9 a.m., after which the heat intensifies and continues till nearly 4 p.m., with temperatures touching 44-45 degrees Celsius,” the jogger said.
Another morning walker said people have started going out earlier to avoid the intense heat. “Earlier, we used to go for a run at 6 a.m., but now we have to start at 5 a.m. because by 6 a.m. the conditions become extremely uncomfortable,” the person said.
The IMD has placed Delhi under an orange alert for the next five days as maximum temperatures are expected to remain exceptionally high across the city and surrounding NCR areas. Several parts of the region have also been experiencing unusually warm nights along with intense daytime heat.
The weather department upgraded its warning from yellow to orange on Wednesday in view of worsening conditions.
An orange alert indicates the need for preparedness and caution, warning that severe weather conditions may disrupt daily life and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. The IMD said children, elderly people, outdoor workers and those with pre-existing medical conditions remain particularly vulnerable.
According to the IMD forecast, Delhi’s maximum temperature could touch 46 degrees Celsius on May 22, while daytime temperatures are likely to stay above 43 degrees Celsius through the week.
The IMD further said Delhi, along with Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, is likely to witness severe heatwave conditions accompanied by strong surface winds during afternoon and evening hours.
Delhi also recorded its warmest May night in nearly 14 years, with the minimum temperature settling at 31.9 degrees Celsius on Thursday. IMD data showed the city had last recorded a higher minimum temperature in May on May 26, 2012, when it stood at 32.5 degrees Celsius.
The weather department has forecast no immediate relief, with heatwave conditions expected to persist at least until May 26.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh’s Banda recorded the country’s highest temperature at 48 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, underlining the severe heat conditions prevailing across northern India.
The prolonged heat has also led to a sharp rise in electricity consumption in Delhi. The capital’s peak power demand has already crossed 7,700 MW this season, and officials warned it could rise further if the heatwave continues.
Authorities have advised residents to avoid outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, wear light clothing and take precautions against heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and heatstroke. Special caution has been advised for children, senior citizens and people with existing health conditions.
(IANS Inputs)
