New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for New Delhi this Sunday, warning of severe heatwave-like conditions expected to intensify by the evening. While the city woke up to a minimum temperature of 26.2°C—which is 2.4 notches below the seasonal average—the relief is expected to be short-lived. The mercury is projected to climb rapidly throughout the day, with the maximum temperature likely to settle around 44°C. A partly cloudy sky is anticipated, though it will offer little respite from the scorching heat currently gripping the National Capital Region.
The morning humidity was recorded at 43% at 8:30 a.m., contributing to the oppressive atmosphere as residents brace for one of the hottest days of the year so far. The IMD’s orange alert serves as a precautionary warning for people to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children. This forecast aligns with a broader trend across North and Central India, where several cities have already surpassed the 44°C mark over the weekend, leading to a surge in power demand and heatstroke-related hospitalizations.
In addition to the heat, the city’s air quality continues to be a concern for health officials. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 223 at 9:00 a.m., falling into the ‘poor’ category. On the CPCB scale, an AQI between 201 and 300 is classified as poor and can cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure. The combination of high temperatures and poor air quality has prompted health experts to advise citizens to limit strenuous physical activity until weather conditions improve.
