Delhi-NCR heatwave: IMD warns of 47°C peak, orange alert till May 26
Synopsis
Delhi is staring down a 47°C peak with no relief before 26 May — and the IMD has upgraded its alert to orange. With Banda, UP already logging 48°C and Delhi's AQI in the 'poor' zone, this is not just a weather event; it is a compounding public health emergency across north India.
Key Takeaways
The IMD has warned temperatures in Delhi could hit 47 degrees Celsius on 22 May 2025 .
An orange alert has been issued for Delhi for the next five days ; daytime temperatures unlikely to fall below 43°C this week.
No significant relief is expected until at least 26 May , with no major change in maximum or minimum temperatures over the next seven days .
Banda, Uttar Pradesh recorded the country's highest temperature at 48 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.
Delhi's air quality remained 'poor' , with Anand Vihar logging an AQI of 215 .
Punjab , Haryana , and Chandigarh are also under severe heat conditions with strong afternoon surface winds forecast.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that temperatures in New Delhi could touch a dangerous 47 degrees Celsius on Thursday, 22 May, as Delhi-NCR continues to reel under severe heatwave conditions with no significant relief expected until at least 26 May. The IMD has placed the capital under an orange alert for the next five days, signalling a high risk of heat-related illness across the region.
Alert Level Upgraded
The weather department escalated its warning from a yellow alert to an orange alert on Wednesday, reflecting a sharp deterioration in conditions. Daytime temperatures are unlikely to dip below 43 degrees Celsius this week, according to the IMD's night bulletin. Temperatures are expected to hover around 46 degrees Celsius, with severe heatwave conditions persisting over the next two days and heatwave conditions continuing thereafter.
The IMD defines a heatwave when the maximum temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and remains at least 4.5 degrees Celsius above normal. An orange alert advises residents to remain prepared and take precautionary measures, as worsening conditions may severely disrupt daily life.
Who Is Most at Risk
The IMD has specifically flagged elevated health risks for children, elderly citizens, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. The alert warns of a high probability of heat-related illnesses if adequate precautions are not taken. Residents have been advised to avoid outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours.
The warning covers not just Delhi but extends to Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, all of which are expected to witness severe heat throughout the week, accompanied by strong surface winds during afternoon and evening hours.
Record Temperatures Across the Region
Uttar Pradesh's Banda district recorded the country's highest temperature at 48 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, as heatwave conditions continued across the state. The reading underscores the breadth of the heat event, which is affecting a wide swathe of north and central India.
The IMD has forecast no significant change in either maximum or minimum temperatures over the next seven days, making this one of the more prolonged heat episodes of the 2025 summer season.
Air Quality Compounds the Crisis
Adding to residents' woes, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'poor' category on Thursday. Area-wise AQI readings included Anand Vihar (215), Wazirpur (195), Rohini (178), Ashok Vihar (162), and IIT Delhi (160). The combination of extreme heat and degraded air quality poses compounded health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.
With no rain or cooling system in sight before 26 May, authorities and health officials are expected to issue further advisories as the week progresses.
Point of View
Signalling that this is not a passing spike. The compounding factor — poor AQI alongside extreme heat — rarely features prominently in official advisories, yet it multiplies health risk for the elderly and children far beyond what either variable alone would suggest. Authorities would do well to move beyond weather bulletins and activate ground-level health infrastructure before the peak hits.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IMD's heatwave forecast for Delhi this week?
The IMD has warned that Delhi temperatures could reach 47 degrees Celsius on 22 May, with no significant relief expected until at least 26 May. Daytime temperatures are unlikely to fall below 43 degrees Celsius this week, and an orange alert has been issued for five days.
What does an IMD orange alert mean for Delhi residents?
An orange alert advises people to remain prepared and take precautionary measures, as worsening weather conditions may severely affect daily life. It signals a high risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for children, elderly citizens, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Which city recorded India's highest temperature on Wednesday?
Banda district in Uttar Pradesh recorded the country's highest temperature at 48 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, as heatwave conditions continued across the state.
How is air quality in Delhi during the heatwave?
Delhi's air quality remained in the 'poor' category on Thursday. AQI readings included Anand Vihar at 215, Wazirpur at 195, Rohini at 178, Ashok Vihar at 162, and IIT Delhi at 160.
Which other states are affected by the current heatwave?
Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh are also expected to witness severe heat conditions throughout the week, along with strong surface winds during afternoon and evening hours, according to the IMD.
