New Delhi: The national capital experienced its hottest July day in two years on Thursday as soaring temperatures, high humidity and the absence of rainfall
combined to create extremely uncomfortable weather conditions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature reached 39.2 degrees C, around 4 degrees C above normal for this time of year. It was the highest July maximum temperature recorded since July 30, 2024, when the city touched 39.3 degrees C.
Delhi feels like 48 degrees C
The minimum temperature also remained unusually high at 30.2 degrees C, which was 3 degrees C above normal and the highest July minimum since July 31, 2024, when it stood at 30.4 degrees C.
Although the actual temperature remained below 40 degrees C, the combination of heat and humidity made conditions feel much harsher. The city’s heat index, also known as the real-feel temperature, climbed to 48 degrees C at around 2.30 pm, even though the actual air temperature was 38.2 degrees C.
The heat index reflects how hot the weather feels to the human body when humidity is taken into account. Higher humidity reduces the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating, making outdoor conditions feel much hotter.
Delhi weather forecast
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for hot and humid conditions on Friday and Saturday. However, the weather department expects very light to light rainfall, along with strong winds in isolated areas, on Saturday.
Maximum temperatures are forecast to stay between 38 degrees C and 40 degrees C on Friday before dropping to 35 degrees C to 37 degrees C after the expected rain.
Why temperatures remain high
Weather experts said the current spell of heat is mainly due to a lack of rainfall and prevailing wind patterns.
Mahesh Palawat, Vice President of Skymet Weather, said, “There has been no significant rain for the past few days, and dry westerly winds have been prevailing. Additionally, southwestern winds from the Arabian Sea are blowing at the lower level, increasing humidity. For rain to be induced, a significant weather system needs to develop over the city, such as the monsoon trough, which is currently at the foothills, returning to Delhi.”
