Scorching Days Continue in Delhi, Light Rain May Bring Relief Thursday

Delhi remained under the grip of intense heat and humidity on Sunday, with maximum temperatures ranging from 42°C to 44°C — two to three degrees Celsius above normal. Although the heat index, or the "feels-like" temperature, reached a peak of 47°C at 5:30 PM due to high humidity levels, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) clarified that the national capital has not officially entered heatwave conditions yet.

At Safdarjung, Delhi’s base weather observatory, the maximum temperature recorded was 42.1°C — two degrees above the seasonal average — while the minimum temperature stood at 27.6°C, which is within the normal range. In contrast, Ayanagar reported a maximum of 44°C, with the minimum temperature rising to 29.2°C.

While these readings are considerably high, they do not meet IMD’s criteria for a heatwave in the plains: a maximum temperature of 40°C or more with a departure from normal of at least 4.5°C, sustained for two consecutive days.

In nearby regions, however, heatwave conditions have begun to manifest. Parts of the National Capital Region (NCR), such as Rohtak and Narnaul in Haryana, recorded their first day of heatwave temperatures. Western Rajasthan remained the hottest zone, with maximum temperatures surpassing 45°C and isolated pockets experiencing severe heatwave conditions.

Relative humidity in Delhi rose to 70% on Sunday, further aggravating discomfort, as westerly winds continued to dominate the region.

Scorching Days Continue in Delhi, Light Rain May Bring Relief Thursday
Outlook and Forecast
Krishna Mishra, a senior scientist at IMD, explained that Delhi’s temperature departures — currently around three degrees above normal — are largely responsible for the ongoing hot and humid conditions. He noted that these conditions are likely to persist until June 12.

According to the IMD’s forecast, maximum temperatures in Delhi are expected to climb by another 3°C over the next three days, potentially reaching 44°C. Daytime highs between 43°C and 45°C are predicted to continue through Tuesday, accompanied by dust-raising winds of up to 30 km/h.

Relief may arrive later in the week. Clear skies are expected on Wednesday, while Thursday could bring light rainfall along with gusty winds of up to 60 km/h. A yellow alert has been issued for Friday, warning of possible thunderstorms and lightning. Saturday is expected to be partly cloudy with light showers and gusty winds.

Monsoon Progress Stalled Over Northwest India
Although the southwest monsoon made an unusually early onset — reaching Kerala on May 24 and Mumbai by May 26, 16 days ahead of schedule — its advance has paused over northwest India, including Delhi. The delay is attributed to the persistence of dry westerly winds over the region.

As of Sunday, the monsoon had progressed through parts of Maharashtra (including Mumbai and Ahilyanagar), Telangana (Adilabad), Odisha (Bhawanipatna and Puri), West Bengal (Balurghat), and the Bay of Bengal (Sandhead Island).

The IMD’s June outlook projects above-normal daytime temperatures, warm nights, fewer heatwave days, and a wetter-than-usual rainy season. While the average onset of monsoon over Delhi is around June 29, meteorologists say it is currently too early to predict the exact arrival date.

In the meantime, Delhiites can expect more uncomfortable heat and humidity, with only a modest drop in maximum temperatures toward the weekend — potentially dipping to 38°C. However, night temperatures are expected to remain elevated, hovering around 29°C, according to the Met department.