Delhi Temperature Today: Delhi witnessed its first official heatwave day of the month on Tuesday, as scorching sunshine and dry winds pushed temperatures beyond 45°C across several parts of the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that conditions are likely to worsen over the coming days, with temperatures expected to rise to nearly 46°C on Wednesday.
The weather department has issued an orange alert for Delhi until May 25, cautioning residents about prolonged heatwaves and excessive heat conditions expected over six consecutive days.
At Safdarjung, the city’s primary weather observatory, the maximum temperature settled at 45.1°C, 4.7 degrees above the seasonal average and 1.7 degrees higher than Monday’s reading. The minimum
temperature was recorded at 27°C. Among the city’s weather stations, Ridge recorded the highest temperature at 46.5°C, followed by Ayanagar at 45.5°C and Lodhi Road at 45.2°C.
Tuesday also marked Delhi’s fourth heatwave day of the year, following similar conditions on April 23, 24 and 25.
Dry Westerly Winds Behind Rising Temperatures
Meteorologists attributed the sharp rise in temperatures to the absence of any active weather systems over north India.
Mahesh Palawat, Vice President at Skymet Weather, explained that there are currently no western disturbances or cyclonic circulations influencing Delhi’s weather. Instead, hot and dry winds from western and northwestern regions are sweeping across the Capital, intensifying the heat.
He noted that such extreme conditions are typical during the latter half of May and can occasionally continue into early June. According to him, temperatures generally begin to ease only after moist easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal start reaching the city during the second half of June.
Air Quality Slips Into ‘Poor’ Category
As temperatures climbed, Delhi’s air quality also deteriorated significantly. The city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 336 on Tuesday, placing it in the ‘poor’ category.
The worsening pollution levels prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to activate Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect.
According to CAQM, air quality may deteriorate further during the week and could move towards the more severe end of the ‘poor’ category.
GRAP Stage 1 Restrictions Enforced Across Delhi-NCR
Under GRAP Stage 1, authorities across the National Capital Region have been directed to strengthen pollution-control measures and intensify monitoring efforts.
According to a report in The Indian Express, restrictions imposed under the first stage include a ban on the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants and roadside eateries. Diesel generator sets will also be permitted only for emergency and essential services.
The commission further instructed agencies to tighten checks on vehicles operating without valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates in an effort to reduce vehicular emissions.
Delhi Power Demand Reaches Season’s Highest
The intense heat also triggered a sharp spike in electricity consumption across the Capital.
According to Delhi’s State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC), peak power demand touched 7,776 MW at 3:30 pm on Tuesday, surpassing Monday’s high of 7,600 MW recorded at 11:11 pm. This marked the highest electricity demand of the summer season so far, as reported in Hindustan Times.
Officials highlighted that Delhi crossed the 7,000 MW demand mark unusually early this year – on April 27, 2026, when demand reached 7,078 MW. In contrast, the city crossed the same threshold only during May in both 2024 and 2025.
Power distribution companies said supply remained stable despite the surge in consumption. BSES discoms stated that they successfully managed peak demands of 3,492 MW and 1,683 MW in their respective operational areas.
Meanwhile, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) said it had smoothly handled a peak load of 2,220 MW across its north Delhi network.
Delhi May Cross 9,000 MW Power Demand This Summer
Officials warned that electricity demand is likely to rise even further in the coming weeks if heatwave conditions persist.
SLDC projections indicate that Delhi’s peak power demand could exceed 9,000 MW this summer. The current all-time high stands at 8,656 MW, recorded in 2025.
The last time Delhi experienced temperatures touching 46°C was on May 29, 2024. With severe heat and worsening pollution forecast to continue, authorities are preparing for mounting pressure on both public health systems and electricity infrastructure in the days ahead.
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