North India sizzles under record heatwave; Delhi’s ‘feels-like’ temperature hits 49°C

New Delhi

Delhi and large parts of northern India continued to reel under an unprecedented heatwave on Monday, with the national capital recording one of the hottest days of the season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the maximum temperature in several parts of Delhi, including Ignou and Ayanagar, soared past 45°C, while the “feels-like” temperature breached a staggering 49°C due to high humidity levels.

An orange alert remains in effect for Delhi, Haryana, and Chandigarh, warning residents of extreme heat-related health risks such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and strokes. Over the past six days, temperatures have risen by over 11°C above normal levels, prompting concerns among health officials and civic bodies.

The combination of high temperatures and deteriorating air quality (Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 235 in the “poor” category) has led to health advisories urging people to stay indoors, especially vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and outdoor workers. The IMD has forecast that heatwave conditions may ease slightly after June 13, as monsoon winds are expected to reach southern parts of the country and gradually spread northward.

This intense spell follows similar heat surges across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, where temperatures touched 46–47°C in some areas, setting new seasonal records.