Real-feel temperature shoots to 49 deg C in Delhi; orange alert issued amid heatwave

New Delhi | Delhi baked in extreme heat on Monday as the real-feel temperature – or heat index – shot up to a scorching 48.9 degrees Celsius, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for the next two days, warning people to stay cautious and take steps to protect themselves from the ongoing heatwave.

The actual maximum temperature in the city touched 43.4 degrees Celsius on Monday, 3.4 degrees higher than the seasonal average.

The minimum temperature settled at 27.6 degrees Celsius while humidity levels fluctuated between 48 and 25 per cent, making the weather feel even hotter.

According to the IMD, very hot weather will persist in Delhi until at least June 12.

The daytime temperature is expected to hover around the 44-degree Celsius mark, while the nights will also be warm at around 28 degrees Celsius, the IMD said.

Strong surface winds of 20-30 kmph are expected over the next two days but they are unlikely to bring much relief.

The IMD has confirmed that heatwave conditions have settled over the Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi subdivision, with cities like Hisar, Sirsa, Rohtak and Ayanagar (Delhi) reporting temperatures close to the 45-degree Celsius mark. Monday marked the second consecutive day of heatwave conditions in the region, including Delhi, the IMD said.

Delhi is also experiencing warm nights with the temperature remaining high even after sunset. This can make it harder for people to cool down besides increasing the risk of heat-related illness, especially for the elderly, children, and those with health issues.

There may be some relief starting June 12 with the IMD forecasting light rainfall and thunderstorms in parts of Delhi, along with gusty winds between 30 and 40 kmph.

While the rain may not be heavy, it could bring about short-term relief from the excessive heat, the weather office said.

The humidity levels may increase after rain, which can make the weather feel uncomfortable, officials warned.

The air quality in the capital was recorded in the ‘poor’ category on Monday with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 235 at 4 pm, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.

According to the CPCB, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 and 500 ‘severe’.

As mercury soars in Delhi, doctors warn of health risks

New Delhi | As Delhi reels under extreme heat, doctors warned residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related health complications such as muscle cramps, dehydration, and heatstroke.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for several parts of north India, including the national capital, urging people to avoid exposure during the peak afternoon hours. The maximum temperature in the city touched 43.4 degrees Celsius on Monday.

Experts said the rising mercury is not just uncomfortable, it can also pose serious health risks.

"Heat waves pose a serious health risk, especially to vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and people with underlying medical conditions like heart disease and respiratory disorders," said Dr Vikas Chopra, Head of Cardiology Department at Primus Hospital.

"Heatstroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses can result from prolonged exposure to temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. I strongly advise residents to wear light, breathable clothing, keep themselves hydrated, and stay indoors during the hottest part of the day," said Dr Chopra.

Children are also very sensitive to heat, and they may not recognize early signs of illness, said Dr Neeraj Nischal, Additional Professor in the Department of Medicine at AIIMS, Delhi.

Schools should reduce outdoor activities during peak heat and ensure regular water breaks, he said.

Parents and teachers should teach kids simple safety tips like drinking water frequently, staying indoors during the hottest part of the day, and wearing loose cotton clothes, Dr Nischal said.

"Sugary drinks and sodas should be avoided, as they can actually make dehydration worse. Urban areas with a lot of concrete trap heat, especially at night, making it difficult to cool down. People living in cramped spaces or without proper ventilation need extra attention and support," he said.

To stay safe, keep drinking clean water, avoid stepping out in afternoon, and find ways to stay cool indoors, he added.

"Heat safety isn't just for heat waves but it should be part of your regular summer habits," Dr Nischal added.

Dr Sutapa B Neogi, Director at the International Institute of Health Management Research, Delhi, advised people to "stay indoors to the extent possible and maintain good hydration".

Doctors are reporting a rise in cases of dizziness, muscle cramps, headaches, and dehydration among people who spend long hours outdoors.

"This weather is not to be taken lightly. Even healthy individuals can fall sick due to prolonged exposure to heat," said Dr Gagan Anand, an internal medicine specialist at BLK-MAX Hospital.

"People working outdoors, delivery workers, construction labourers, and street vendors must take frequent breaks, drink oral rehydration solution (ORS), and avoid caffeine or alcohol, which can worsen dehydration," said Dr Anand.

Public health experts are urging residents to take care of elderly family members, neighbours living alone, and young children to ensure they are coping with the rising temperatures.

"It is important to keep an eye on the elderly and children, who may not express discomfort as clearly. The focus should be on reducing heat exposure to avoid major health problems," Dr Chopra said.

With no immediate relief in sight, medical experts said that awareness and small preventive steps can make a big difference and may even save lives.