Delhi Braces for Intense Heat as IMD Issues Yellow Alert; Heatwave Spreads Across North India

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the National Capital Region (NCR), including Delhi, warning residents of extreme heat over the next three days. With maximum temperatures expected to soar past 42°C, North India is entering one of the most severe and prolonged heatwaves of the year so far.

What the Yellow Alert Means

A yellow alert is the IMD’s advisory for weather conditions that require people to “be aware.” While not the highest level of warning, it signals a significant rise in temperature and urges citizens to prepare for heat-related discomfort, especially vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

The IMD has also warned that hot winds (loo) blowing across the plains will exacerbate the discomfort, especially during afternoon hours. Areas like South Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad are expected to experience “severe heat stress.”

Temperature Spikes Across the Region

Delhi is not alone in facing this weather crisis. Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Madhya Pradesh have also recorded temperatures above 44°C in the last 48 hours. Churu in Rajasthan touched 46.1°C, while Lucknow and Kanpur crossed 43°C. These soaring temperatures are pushing power grids to their limits and adding pressure on water supplies.

Health Authorities on High Alert

Hospitals in Delhi have begun preparing for a possible spike in heatstroke cases. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued guidelines for hydration, heat exhaustion treatment, and emergency preparedness. Several government-run hospitals have been asked to reserve beds for potential heatstroke admissions.

Doctors are advising the public to avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (12 p.m. to 4 p.m.), stay hydrated, wear light cotton clothing, and avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors.

Impact on Daily Life and Services

The heatwave has started to disrupt everyday routines. School authorities in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have either shortened school hours or switched to online classes to protect students from the extreme heat. Public transport in cities like Delhi is also reporting a surge in delays due to overheating engines and road fatigue.

Delhi’s peak electricity demand has already crossed 7,500 megawatts — one of the highest recorded in April. With air conditioners and coolers running non-stop, power outages have begun to affect certain parts of the city, especially in outer and suburban zones.

Water Shortages Loom

Water departments in Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida have also reported a drop in reservoir levels. Tanker requests have doubled in some residential areas, particularly in low-income colonies and unauthorized settlements. Authorities are urging citizens to use water judiciously.

Climate Experts Weigh In

Climate scientists say that while heatwaves are not new to North India, the intensity and early arrival this year point to a worrying trend fueled by climate change. “The frequency of extreme heat events has nearly tripled in the last two decades. Urban heat island effects and deforestation are making matters worse,” said Dr. Ramesh Sinha, a senior climatologist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.

What Lies Ahead

The IMD has indicated that there is no significant western disturbance or rain system in the next few days to provide relief. The heatwave is expected to continue, possibly intensifying in the interiors of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Delhiites are advised to monitor official updates, take necessary precautions, and avoid non-essential travel during high-temperature hours. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) is also considering issuing public service announcements through radio, television, and mobile alerts.

As North India battles the rising mercury, this latest heatwave underscores the urgent need for sustainable urban planning, better disaster preparedness, and long-term action on climate resilience.