Delhi Swelters As 'Feels Like' Temperature Reaches 54.4 Degrees Celsius, No Relief In Sight
Last Updated:
While the recorded air temperature in the capital hovered around 46 degrees Celsius, the oppressive humidity levels pushed the heat index to levels rarely seen in the city
The national capital reeled under a searing heatwave on Thursday as the city's 'feels like' temperature — or heat index — shot up to a staggering 54.4 degrees Celsius, the highest so far this season.
The sweltering conditions, driven by high humidity and air temperatures, have prompted a red alert from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), with officials warning that no significant relief is expected before Sunday.
According to weather experts, while the recorded air temperature in the capital hovered around 46 degrees Celsius, the oppressive humidity levels pushed the heat index to levels rarely seen in the city.
'The high heat index reflects both temperature and relative humidity and directly impacts how the human body perceives the heat," an IMD official was quoted as saying by TOI.
Neighbouring regions, including parts of Haryana and Punjab, also reported extreme conditions. Gurgaon recorded its warmest night of the season with a minimum temperature of 30.1 degrees Celsius, while daytime highs in districts like Sirsa and Rohtak touched 48 degrees Celsius.
In Punjab, Bathinda recorded a peak of 46.8 degrees Celsius.
'Usually, we expect some pre-monsoon activity by mid-June, but this year it's been unusually dry and hot. While light showers and thunderstorms are forecast from Sunday onwards, they may only bring marginal relief," the IMD official added.
The red alert remains in place for Delhi and surrounding states, with authorities advising residents to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
Medical professionals have also urged the public to watch for signs of heat-related illnesses like heatstroke and dehydration.
The main distinction between temperature and the heat index lies in what they represent: temperature is the actual measured air temperature, whereas the heat index—also called apparent temperature or 'feels like" temperature—reflects how hot it feels to the human body.
First Published:
June 13, 2025, 20:22 IST
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Some places in coastal Andhra report high daytime temperatures; no rain as of 11 a.m.
While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Amaravati had predicted isolated heavy rainfall in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP) until June 16, 2025, some places in the region have reported high daytime temperatures, as of 11 a.m. on June 14, 2025. At 11 a.m., according to the information on A.P. State Development and Planning Society, Yerrampeta in Chintur mandal in NCAP's Alluri Sitaram Raju district reported 39.8 degree Celsius, G. Sigadam in Ganguvarisigadam in Srikakulam district reported 37.9 degree Celsius, Gurla in Vizianagaram reported 37.68 degree Celsius. The high temperatures continued in Rayalaseema too. Between 8.30 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday (June 14, 2025), very light to light rain was recorded, with a maximum of 27 mm, in Annamayya district of Rayalaseema. The IMD, on June 13, predicted that the NCAP would receive isolated heavy rainfall owing to the upper air cyclonic circulation over Southwest Telangana and neighbourhood that lay over North Interior Karnataka and Rayalaseema and also owing to a trough that runs from west central Arabian Sea to South Coastal Odisha across an upper air cyclonic circulation over North Interior Karnataka. The whole State may receive light to moderate rain, accompanied with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places in the next few days.
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Hans India
Monsoon to cover most parts of northwest India by June 25
The southwest monsoon, which regained momentum this week, is expected to cover most parts of northwest India, including Delhi, by June 25, well ahead of the usual dates, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The primary rain-bearing system reached Kerala on May 24, marking its earliest onset over the Indian mainland since 2009, when it arrived on May 23. Aided by strong low-pressure systems over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, the monsoon advanced quickly over the next few days, covering parts up to central Maharashtra, including Mumbai, and the entire northeast by May 29. However, it stalled from May 28-29 until June 10-11 before becoming active again. The lack of rainfall since early June led to a sharp rise in temperatures, triggering heatwave conditions across large parts of northwest and central India since June 8-9. According to the IMD's extended range forecast, the monsoon is now likely to cover the remaining parts of central and eastern India and some areas of northwest India by June 18. It is expected to advance over most of northwest India between June 19 and June 25. An IMD official said the system is likely to reach Delhi by June 22-23, ahead of the normal onset date of June 27. Meteorologists say the date of monsoon onset does not directly correlate with the total seasonal rainfall. An early or delayed arrival in Kerala or Mumbai does not necessarily indicate similar progress in other parts of the country. They say the monsoon is influenced by complex global, regional and local factors, marked by significant variability. In May, the IMD forecast that India is likely to receive 106 per cent of the long-period average rainfall of 87 cm during the June-September monsoon season. Rainfall between 96 and 104 per cent of this 50-year average is considered 'normal'.
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Thunderstorms, rain likely to bring relief from heat in Delhi
NEW DELHI: After a prolonged spell of scorching temperatures, Delhiites may finally get a brief respite, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting thunderstorms and light rain across the city starting Saturday and continuing into next week. The Safdarjung observatory, Delhi's official weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 41.2 degrees Celsius on Friday — a dip of 2.7 degrees from the previous day, but still 1.3 degrees Celsius above normal. The minimum temperature remained high at 31.0 degrees Celsius, marking a departure of 3 degrees Celsius from the seasonal average. Humidity levels oscillated between 51% and 69%, making conditions hot and uncomfortable throughout the day. According to IMD officials, the national capital is set to witness generally cloudy skies with very light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, dust storms, and lightning till June 19. Gusty winds are also expected during thunderstorms. The weekend is likely to bring continued weather fluctuations. On Saturday and Sunday, maximum temperatures are expected to range between 38 degrees Celsius and 41 degrees Celsius, with partly cloudy skies. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds (30–50 kmph) are predicted during the afternoon and evening. From June 16 onwards, a shift to generally cloudy skies and light to moderate rainfall is expected across Delhi-NCR, including Gurgaon, Noida, and Ghaziabad. These pre-monsoon showers are likely to reduce daytime temperatures further, keeping them below 39 degrees Celsius for most of next week. While the heatwave has abated for now, residents are advised to stay cautious during thunderstorms, particularly in the evenings when wind speeds could temporarily spike. The IMD notes that these pre-monsoon developments are signs of the advancing monsoon, which is yet to cover Delhi.
