Delhi records hottest May day in two years at 43.4°C as heatwave grips north India

Residents in Delhi reeled under intense summer heat on Monday as the capital recorded its hottest day of the season so far, with temperatures nearing 44 degrees Celsius across several areas.

The India Meteorological Department said the Safdarjung observatory, Delhi’s primary weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 43.4 degrees Celsius, while the Ridge station emerged as the hottest location at 44.6 degrees Celsius.

Other areas also witnessed scorching conditions, with Lodhi Road recording 43.8 degrees Celsius — nearly five degrees above normal. Weather officials warned that heatwave conditions are expected to persist on Tuesday, with temperatures likely to touch 45 degrees Celsius in parts of the city.

According to the IMD, the ongoing spell of extreme heat across north and central India is likely to continue through the week, with Delhi and the National Capital Region among the worst-hit regions.

Meteorologists attributed the searing conditions to hot northwesterly winds blowing in from the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan and parts of central Pakistan.

“Travelling across vast arid stretches, these winds turn intensely dry by the time they reach Delhi, trapping heat close to the surface and sharply intensifying conditions across the city,” an IMD official said.

The prolonged heat also drove Delhi’s peak power demand to 7,542 MW on Monday — the highest recorded so far this summer.

Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated and avoid unnecessary travel as there is currently no forecast of thunderstorms or pre-monsoon showers that could bring relief.

Heatwave conditions extended across neighbouring NCR regions as well. Gurugram recorded 42 degrees Celsius, while Rohtak touched 45.2 degrees.

In western Uttar Pradesh, the IMD has forecast heatwave to severe heatwave conditions through May 24, with some districts likely to witness temperatures close to 46 degrees Celsius.

Several parts of Punjab and Rajasthan also recorded extreme temperatures. Bathinda touched 47 degrees Celsius, while Pilani and Chittorgarh recorded 46.2 degrees each.

The weather department said temperatures across northwest India could rise by another two to three degrees in the coming days, prolonging heat stress conditions before the southwest monsoon advances further north.