The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a seven-day heatwave for the national capital, with temperatures soaring to 45.1 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, the highest this season.
Tuesday’s temperature was 4.7 degrees Celsius above normal for this time of the year. The minimum settled at 28.2 degrees Celsius, 1.7 degrees Celsius above normal. “Dry westerly winds prevailed at speeds of 15–25 kmph, gusting up to 37 kmph during the daytime over Delhi. These dry surface winds are likely to continue for the next seven days,” the IMD said in a statement, adding that an orange alert has been issued.
The IMD, in an advisory, cautioned people to avoid heat exposure, wear light-coloured, loose cotton clothing, cover their heads with a cloth, hat or umbrella, and drink sufficient water frequently, even if not thirsty.
It also advised keeping fire extinguishers at home and in vehicles.
A heatwave in Delhi is declared when the departure from normal is between 4.5 and 6.4 degrees Celsius, or when the maximum temperature exceeds 45 degrees Celsius. A severe heatwave is declared when the departure from normal exceeds 6.4 degrees Celsius, or the maximum temperature crosses 46 degrees Celsius.
In May 2025, the highest maximum temperature recorded was 42.3 degrees Celsius. The highest temperature record for May is 47.2 degrees Celsius in 1944. Over the past decade, the hottest May day was on May 30, 2024, when the temperature touched 46.8 degrees Celsius.
‘Rise in power demand’
The rising heat has also led to increased power consumption, with Tata Power discom recording the season’s highest peak power demand of 7,776 MW on Tuesday.
Last week, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta released the ‘Heat Action Plan 2026’, which included ‘mobile heat relief unit’ vans providing cold water, oral rehydration solution, first aid, gamchas (towels) and caps to those in need.
The Delhi government has converted schools and community halls near four major hospitals into temporary summer shelters offering free stay and basic facilities, officials said.