Delhi remained gripped by a severe heatwave on Wednesday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for the capital. Temperatures across various parts of the city ranged between 40.9°C and 45.0°C, while the heat index—which factors in both temperature and humidity—climbed to a sweltering 51.9°C.
However, some relief is on the horizon for northwest India, with the IMD forecasting a drop in temperatures starting June 14. While the heatwave persists in areas like West Rajasthan and its surroundings, the department expects temperatures to ease gradually from mid-June.
In its latest update on X, the IMD said: “No significant change in maximum temperatures likely over East India during the next 24 hours, followed by a gradual fall of 2–3°C over the next three days, with stability thereafter. No significant changes expected over the rest of the country.”
Delhi May See Cooler Weather Post June 13
An IMD official indicated that temperatures in Delhi could decline after Friday, possibly due to an approaching western disturbance.
“The intense heat will likely persist through Thursday. A western disturbance is expected to impact northwest India from the night of June 13, potentially bringing light showers and thunderstorms to Delhi,” PTI quoted senior IMD scientist Naresh Kumar as saying.
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As per IMD data recorded at 5:30 pm, Ayanagar was the hottest part of Delhi at 45°C, followed by Palam (44.5°C), Ridge (43.6°C), Pitampura (43.5°C), Lodi Road (43.4°C), Safdarjung (43.3°C), and Mayur Vihar (40.9°C).
Although the red alert remains in effect for Delhi today, forecasters expect conditions to ease beginning Friday night.
Meanwhile, Delhi registered its highest electricity demand of the summer—8,231 MW—at 10:55 pm on Wednesday, according to real-time data from the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC), PTI reported.
Punjab on Red Alert for June 12–13
Punjab also continues to face extreme heat, with dry conditions and above-normal temperatures persisting. The IMD has issued a red alert for June 12 and 13, advising people to take precautions against heat-related health risks.
“Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist across northwest India, including the western Himalayan region, until June 13 and gradually subside thereafter,” stated the IMD bulletin.
Southern States Expect Heavy Rainfall
In contrast to the scorching north, parts of southern India are expected to experience significant rainfall.
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Heavy Rain Alert for 10 Telangana Districts
The IMD has issued a heavy rain warning for 10 districts in Telangana on June 12. These include Adilabad, Kumaram Bheem Asifabad, Jagtial, Vikarabad, Sangareddy, Mahabubnagar, Nagarkurnool, Wanaparthy, Narayanpet, and Jogulamba Gadwal.
The bulletin also mentioned the likelihood of isolated thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds across all districts in the state.
Karnataka to Receive Rain Till June 17
The southwest monsoon, which had briefly weakened, has regained strength and brought rainfall to various parts of Karnataka since Thursday morning.
According to the IMD, most districts are expected to see “widespread” rain over the next seven days. Coastal and north interior Karnataka will continue to receive heavy rain through June 17, while south interior Karnataka is forecasted to see “fairly widespread” showers until June 14, intensifying to “widespread” rainfall over the following three days.
Source: With inputs from Hindustan Times