Delhi and its neighbouring regions in northwest India are bracing for a relentless heatwave with temperatures forecasted to surge by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius over the coming days. According to senior officials at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), mercury levels could reach as high as 43 degrees Celsius by Tuesday, marking the hottest spell in the city this season.
Currently, Delhi’s temperature hovers close to seasonal averages, with the Safdarjung weather station reporting a maximum of 39.8 degrees Celsius. Sunday is predicted to be warmer, with temperatures expected to rise to 41 degrees Celsius under clear skies and strong sunlight. The IMD’s projections indicate a weather pattern dominated by sunshine interspersed with light cloud cover and hazy conditions, accompanied by high ultraviolet radiation levels. This intense heat is exacerbated by a significant delay in the monsoon’s progress over central India, which, according to IMD forecasts, will only resume movement during the week of June 12 to 18. Traditionally, Delhi witnesses the onset of the monsoon by June 27, with the monsoon covering most of India by the end of June and the entire country by early July. The stalled advancement has left Delhi vulnerable to soaring temperatures without the usual respite of pre-monsoon or early monsoon showers.
Officials highlight that the cooler start to the summer season was largely due to unseasonal and heavy rains in May. Delhi recorded an unprecedented 184.6 millimetres of rainfall last month, which effectively kept the city’s temperatures in check, preventing any heatwave days—a stark contrast to the six heatwave days experienced last year during the same period. This seasonal anomaly underscores the variability wrought by climate change, disrupting traditional weather patterns and challenging city preparedness. The forthcoming week is expected to witness strong winds with speeds ranging from 10 to 30 kilometres per hour, particularly between June 9 and 10, which may marginally temper the heat but will not provide substantial relief. Rainfall remains off the table, with no precipitation forecasted until at least June 13, according to meteorological officials.
In response to the intensifying heatwave, public health authorities and city administrators urge residents to adopt precautionary measures. Hydration is paramount, as the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, dehydration, and exhaustion rises sharply during extended heat spells. The advice is to limit outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours, typically between 11 am and 4 pm, and to employ protective measures such as breathable clothing and sunscreen. The persistent heatwave poses broader challenges for Delhi’s sustainability goals and urban resilience initiatives. The city’s dense population and urban heat island effect amplify the impact of high temperatures, straining energy demand, particularly for cooling. These conditions call for concerted efforts in sustainable urban planning—such as enhancing green cover, promoting reflective roofing materials, and expanding water-efficient cooling infrastructure—to mitigate the heat burden on vulnerable populations.
Experts underscore the urgency of aligning heatwave management strategies with Delhi’s broader climate action framework. With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, cities must prioritise adaptive measures that safeguard public health, reduce carbon footprints, and promote equitable access to resources. Sustainable water use and renewable energy deployment become crucial components in building resilience against prolonged heat episodes. The delayed arrival of the monsoon also has economic implications. Agriculture in the region relies heavily on timely rainfall, and the stalling of the monsoon progression risks affecting crop cycles and food supply chains. Additionally, prolonged heat stress affects labour productivity and urban mobility, with heightened risks for outdoor workers and informal sector employees.
While the IMD’s extended forecast offers some hope with the monsoon expected to advance after mid-June, the city’s immediate future remains challenging. Policymakers and planners are tasked with balancing urgent heatwave relief measures with long-term climate adaptation strategies to ensure Delhi can thrive sustainably despite increasing climatic uncertainties. In summary, Delhi faces a critical juncture as it endures a severe heatwave amid a delayed monsoon. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their health, while city officials intensify efforts to bolster resilience and sustainability. This heatwave episode serves as a stark reminder of the escalating climate risks confronting India’s urban centres and the imperative for integrated climate-responsive governance.
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