Week of Forty Degrees Ahead: Heat Wave Alert for Delhi
Representational Image: AI-Skymet
Key Takeaways:
- Delhi temperatures have crossed 40°C again and will stay above this mark through the week
- First heat wave spell likely between April 22–24 with temperatures reaching 42–43°C
- Safdarjung recorded 40.1°C, already above normal by over 3°C
- Isolated areas may touch 44°C; caution advised amid rising heat stress
Day temperatures have been on the rise for Delhi during the last four days. Weather activity in terms of rain and thundershowers last Friday provided brief relief, but the mercury is back to 40°C yet again. The base station, Safdarjung, recorded a maximum of 40.1°C yesterday, about 3.3°C above normal. The temperature is expected to rise during this week and stay above 40°C. Around mid-week, the mercury may shoot up to about 42°C–43°C, marking the first spell of heat wave of the season.
The capital city has recorded the highest temperature of 41°C for this season on April 17, 2026. It is yet to record heat wave conditions this month. Last year, the Safdarjung observatory recorded three heat wave days, all in the first half of April. The mercury did reach or exceed 41°C during the second half, but it did not qualify as heat wave conditions. In the recent past, April 2022 was the hottest, with a record 11 heat wave days. The temperature reached 43.5°C for three consecutive days during that month. However, no heat wave was recorded in April 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024.
A western disturbance is likely to approach the Western Himalayas on April 23, 2026. Its influence will remain confined to the hills. Scattered patches of thin and high clouds are likely over the next three days. Light breeze and a fair amount of sunshine are expected during this period. Day temperatures will exceed 40°C on a regular basis during this week. The temperature may reach around 42°C–43°C during mid-week between April 22 and 24, 2026. Mercury levels will breach normal by about 5°C. Heat wave conditions are expected across the city and suburbs during this period. Isolated places may even reach around 44°C. Residents are advised to exercise caution and adopt all precautionary measures during the first spell of heat wave over the national capital.
