Delhi experiences hottest May night in 14 years; IMD issues yellow warning for heat wave till May 27 | Today’s news
The national capital, reeling under conditions of intense heat, is unlikely to get any relief anytime soon as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has put Delhi on yellow alert till May 27 in its forecast. The temperature is likely to hover around 44 degrees Celsius today. While heat conditions will continue to prevail, residents can expect some relief later in the day as very light showers, thunderstorms, lightning, dust storms and strong ground winds are likely today.
“Increase in maximum temperatures by 1-2°C during the next 24 hours without much change till 27 May 2026 and then decrease by 6-8°C. Increase in minimum temperatures by 2-3°C during the next 24 hours without much change till 29 May 2026 and then decrease by 4-5°C,” the IMD said.
The city records the hottest night in May
Meanwhile, Delhi endured its hottest night in nearly 14 years on Monday, with the minimum temperature settling at 32.4 degrees Celsius, 5.7 degrees above the seasonal norm, according to the weather agency. The last time the city experienced such sweltering temperatures was on May 26, 2012, when the minimum temperature reached 32.5 degrees Celsius.
According to the IMD, Palam recorded a minimum temperature of 30.5 degrees Celsius, which was 3.4 degrees above normal. Lodhi Road recorded 30 degrees Celsius, 5 degrees above normal, while Ridge recorded 30.6 degrees Celsius, 4.4 degrees above the season’s average. Ayanagar recorded the highest minimum temperature of 32 degrees Celsius, 5.3 degrees above normal.
“Warm night conditions were recorded in Safdarjung, Lodhi Road and Ayanagar,” an IMD official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
Delhi also experienced moderate dust storms on Sunday evening, causing deterioration in air quality. The city’s air quality index (AQI) stood at 206 at 9 am on Monday, falling into the “poor” category.
When to expect a drop in maximum temperatures?
The Met Office has predicted that there will be no relief from the severe heat wave in the coming days as such conditions are expected to continue over central and northwestern India till 31 May and over eastern and adjoining peninsular India till 27 or 29 May.
“Reduction in maximum temperatures is likely from May 29,” the IMD said in its latest weather bulletin.
Residents of Punjab can expect a gradual rise in maximum temperatures of 2-3°C till May 26, while the rest of India is unlikely to see any significant change in temperature in the coming days.
(With inputs from news agency PTI)
