Delhi braces for fierce heat as temperature nears 46°C

Delhi woke up to blazing sunshine on Wednesday as the city moved closer to one of its hottest days this season. Weather officials warned that temperatures could climb to nearly 46 degrees Celsius, while dry winds and intense sunlight may worsen conditions through the afternoon.

The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for the national capital. Officials urged residents to stay cautious, avoid direct exposure during peak hours and remain hydrated. At the same time, weather experts said the heatwave may continue for at least the next three days without major relief.

Across several neighbourhoods, people already struggled with extreme conditions since early morning. Roadside vendors covered stalls with wet cloth sheets, while delivery workers searched for shade near traffic signals. Many commuters carried scarves, umbrellas and water bottles as hot winds swept across busy roads.

Tuesday had already revealed how severe the weather pattern had become. Safdarjung, which serves as Delhi’s primary weather monitoring station, recorded 45.1 degrees Celsius. The reading stood far above the usual seasonal average and marked the highest temperature recorded in the capital so far this year.

However, some areas reported even harsher conditions. Ridge station touched 46.5 degrees Celsius, while Ayanagar crossed 45 degrees. Lodhi Road also recorded intense heat during the afternoon hours.

Meanwhile, rising temperatures also affected air quality. Delhi’s Air Quality Index climbed above the 200 mark on Tuesday evening, pushing pollution levels into the poor category once again. The combination of hot air, dust and stagnant conditions created discomfort across many parts of the city.

Doctors advised people to limit outdoor movement during afternoon hours. Hospitals and clinics also reported an increase in cases linked to dehydration, exhaustion and heat stress. Children, elderly citizens and outdoor workers remain the most vulnerable as temperatures continue to rise.

In several local markets, shopkeepers noticed thinner crowds during the afternoon. Auto drivers and street workers said roads looked emptier than usual as many residents preferred to stay indoors.

The current weather conditions meet India’s official heatwave criteria. Authorities declare a heatwave when temperatures rise above 45 degrees Celsius or stay significantly higher than normal levels for the region. Delhi currently meets both conditions together, which highlights the seriousness of the ongoing spell.

Weather experts now expect strong surface winds during evening hours, although they may bring little cooling effect. As the capital faces another difficult summer stretch, residents continue to wait for rainfall or western disturbances that could finally break the heat.