Delhi is currently enduring a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain between 44 and 46 degrees Celsius, with some areas potentially reaching 45 degrees Celsius. The city’s base weather station at Safdarjung recorded a minimum temperature of 26.2 degrees Celsius, which is near normal for late May. However, the maximum temperature on Tuesday reached 43.5 degrees Celsius at Safdarjung, three degrees above normal, while Ayanagar recorded 44.8 degrees Celsius.
Heatwave Conditions Intensify Across North India
The current heatwave is affecting large parts of north and central India. The IMD has warned that severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue over many regions until at least May 28. Pockets of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, West Rajasthan, East Madhya Pradesh, and Vidarbha are under a red alert, indicating a very high likelihood of heat illness and heatstroke. Orange alerts have been issued for parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Telangana, and Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, signalling high temperatures with an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. A yellow alert is in place for other areas where temperatures are expected to be above normal, posing moderate health concerns, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Expected Relief from Thursday
However, a potential shift in weather patterns is anticipated from Thursday, May 28, 2026. A western disturbance is expected to affect northwest India, bringing with it the possibility of thunderstorms and light rainfall across Delhi-NCR on Thursday and Friday. An official from the IMD indicated that maximum temperatures are expected to start dipping from Thursday onwards, with the peak impact of the relief likely by Friday. Temperatures are forecast to remain below 40 degrees Celsius until Sunday. Minimum temperatures are likely to range between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius over the next two days before stabilizing with the anticipated rainfall. These conditions are expected to provide much-needed respite from the scorching heat that has gripped the capital.
Air Quality Shows Signs of Improvement
Amidst the prevailing heatwave, Delhi’s air quality has shown some signs of improvement. The Air Quality Index (AQI), which had been in the ‘very poor’ category, has moved to the ‘poor’ category. This slight improvement in air quality offers a small consolation to residents already struggling with extreme temperatures.
The Chenab Times News Desk