Delhi weathered a scorchingly hot Monday, June 10, 2025, as the heat index — or how warm it actually feels considering humidity — was a record-high 48.9°C.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reacted by warning of an orange alert and asking citizens to exercise caution and take precautions against the prevailing heatwave, which is predicted to last for the next two days.
The city's recorded highest temperature rose as high as 43.4°C, well above the typical seasonal average by 3.4 degrees. Temperatures during nighttime provided little respite, the minimum temperature going down to 27.6°C. Relative humidity varied between 48% and 25%, adding to the discomfort.
The IMD has predicted sustained extreme heat in the capital at least through June 12. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain close to 44°C, with night temperatures staying high at around 28°C.
Even though moderate surface winds of 20–30 kmph are forecast till midweek, meteorologists state that these will offer little relief from the heat. Heatwave conditions have solidly settled over the Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi zone, with towns like Hisar, Sirsa, Rohtak, and Ayanagar (in Delhi) recording temperatures nearing the 45°C mark.
Monday was the second consecutive day of heatwave conditions in the national capital and neighboring regions, as reported by the IMD.
The hot nighttime temperatures have resulted in "warm nights," which makes it difficult for residents to cool down in the evenings. Officials caution this may increase the risk of heatstroke or heat exhaustion, particularly among groups that are particularly sensitive, including children, older adults, and people who already suffer from health problems.
Temporary respite may be around the corner from June 12, with the IMD predicting light showers and scattered thunderstorms in Delhi, supported by gusty winds of 30–40 kmph. Though not foreseen to be heavy, the short-lived rain spell may provide transient relief.
But meteorologists warn that an increase in humidity following the rain may bring a different type of discomfort, leaving the weather feeling sticky and suffocating.
Air quality was also on the mind of Delhi's residents. As of 4 p.m. Monday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi was 235 — 'poor' — based on data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
According to CPCB levels, an AQI of 201 to 300 is in the 'poor' category, and below 200 is 'moderate' or better. An AQI higher than 300 slides into the 'very poor' to 'severe' range, which indicates progressively dangerous conditions.
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