The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday (April 21, 2026) issued a yellow alert for the next three days and forecast a rise in temperatures, with the mercury likely to touch 43–44°C and heatwave-like conditions expected at isolated places in Delhi.

A maximum temperature of 38.8°C, 1.1°C above normal, was recorded on Tuesday at the Safdarjung observatory, considered representative of Delhi’s weather. The minimum temperature at Safdarjung was 20.5°C, 2.2°C below normal.

“Maximum temperatures are likely to rise gradually by 2–3°C, leading to heatwave conditions at isolated to scattered places in Delhi over the next five days. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain above normal to appreciably above normal during this period,” a statement issued by the IMD read.

Amid this forecast, the Delhi government has yet to announce this year’s heat action plan (HAP), which outlines measures to mitigate the impact of extreme heat and humidity, particularly on vulnerable populations.

Last year’s HAP, prepared by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), noted that the current year’s plan should be finalised before the onset of summer and identified March to July as the “heat season”.