New Delhi | 11 June 2025 — The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Delhi, warning of an intense and prolonged heatwave as temperatures in parts of the city climbed to a blistering 45.5 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.
The maximum alert comes amid forecasts that heatwave conditions will persist across the National Capital Region (NCR) for at least the next two days, with a shift to an orange alert and potential relief in sight only by the night of June 13.
“Heatwave conditions are likely to prevail at many places across Delhi-NCR with temperatures ranging between 44°C and 46°C,” the IMD said in its afternoon weather bulletin.
Ayanagar recorded the day’s highest temperature at 45.5°C, while Safdarjung, the city’s base station, logged 43.8°C — both well above the seasonal average. Despite early morning humidity at 39 per cent, dry south-westerly winds have amplified the discomfort across the capital.
A red alert, the IMD’s highest warning level, urges residents to avoid direct heat exposure, stay well-hydrated, and limit outdoor activities. “There is a very high likelihood of developing heat illness and heatstroke in people of all age groups,” the advisory stated, with special caution urged for vulnerable populations including the elderly, children, and those with chronic conditions.
Dr. Naresh Kumar, senior scientist at IMD, said that northwest India is currently in the grip of severe heat conditions. “Over the next three to four days, regions including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh will continue to face extreme temperatures. A red alert remains in place for Delhi-NCR till June 12, after which we expect a transition to orange alert conditions due to a western disturbance.”
He added that the system could bring light rain and thunderstorms by the night of June 13, with the possibility of temperatures dropping slightly from June 14 onward.
Dust-raising winds with speeds up to 60 kmph are also forecast for June 12 and 13, accompanied by partly cloudy skies.
Meanwhile, the capital’s air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category, with an AQI of 225 recorded at 2 pm.
Authorities are advising strict precautions. “People should avoid going out in peak hours, drink plenty of water, and monitor for symptoms of heat-related illness,” said a Delhi Disaster Management Authority official.
According to IMD projections, some respite from the sweltering conditions is expected after June 14 with possible light to moderate showers. Until then, the city remains under high alert as extreme heat continues to threaten public health and daily life.
