Delhi-NCR braces for harsher heat as mercury rises above 45°C; IMD issues orange alert, no relief in sight

Delhi-NCR is staring at more intense heat in the coming days, with temperatures expected to climb further and no immediate relief forecast as the heatwave tightens its grip on the region.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an “orange” alert for Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida and Gurugram amid worsening heatwave conditions. According to the weather department, maximum temperatures are expected to remain above 45 degrees Celsius on Thursday, while alerts for extreme heat and “loo” conditions continue across the region.

Delhi weather for next seven days

The IMD has forecast continued heatwave conditions in the national capital until May 26. Strong surface winds during afternoon and evening hours are also expected through the week.

Temperatures are likely to stay above 44 degrees Celsius over the coming days, while minimum temperatures may hover around 28 degrees Celsius.

No immediate respite expected

Weather experts say the current pattern offers little hope of short-term relief across northwestern India.

Mahesh Palawat, Vice President for Climate and Meteorology at Skymet Weather, said pre-monsoon activity is expected to remain absent across northwest and central India for at least another week.

He said hot and dry winds from Pakistan and the Thar Desert are likely to further push up temperatures across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, adding that no significant relief is expected over the next four days.

Power outages add to discomfort

The extreme heat has also led to widespread complaints of power cuts in Noida and Greater Noida. Gautam Buddh Nagar recorded a maximum temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, with residents reporting repeated outages, particularly during the night.

Many residents said frequent disruptions in electricity supply were worsening conditions during the heatwave.

According to public notices issued by Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (PVVNL), some outages are linked to scheduled infrastructure upgrade work, including installation of new breakers, control panels and replacement of damaged equipment under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).

‘Worse than loo’ warning issued

Residents across Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad also received weather alerts on Wednesday warning of extremely severe hot winds.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued alerts for several districts, including Aligarh, Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad, cautioning against unusually intense dry winds.

The message used the phrase “loo se bhi bheeshan loo” — indicating heat conditions more severe than typical hot summer winds.