Delhi witnessed its hottest May night in nearly 14 years as the minimum temperature climbed to 31.9°C, intensifying discomfort for residents already battling severe heatwave conditions across the capital.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the last time Delhi recorded a higher night temperature in May was on May 26, 2012, when the minimum temperature touched 32.5°C. The unusually high overnight temperature has prevented the city from cooling down, increasing heat stress even during nighttime hours.
Safdarjung, the city’s primary weather station, recorded a minimum temperature of 31.9°C, which was 5.2 degrees above the seasonal average. Other stations also reported abnormally warm nights, with Ridge recording 30.6°C, Lodi Road 29.6°C and Palam 30.5°C.
The IMD said Delhi is currently experiencing “warm night” conditions, a situation declared when the daytime maximum remains above 40°C and the night temperature stays significantly above normal. Weather experts noted that minimum temperatures in many Indian cities are now rising faster than daytime temperatures due to changing climate patterns and urban heat buildup.
The capital remains under an orange alert as temperatures are expected to rise further, with the maximum temperature likely to touch 46°C in some areas. Heatwave conditions are expected to continue over the coming days, especially during afternoon hours between 11 am and 4 pm.
Residents have been advised to avoid direct sunlight, stay hydrated, wear light cotton clothing and reduce outdoor activity during peak heat hours. Doctors have also warned that continuous exposure to high temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration, fatigue, dizziness and heatstroke, particularly among children, elderly citizens and outdoor workers.
Alongside the heatwave, Delhi’s air quality remained in the “moderate” category on Thursday morning. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed the Air Quality Index stood at 153 at 9 am. While not classified as poor, the combination of rising temperatures and polluted air can worsen respiratory discomfort for sensitive groups.
The ongoing heatwave across north India has already pushed several cities close to record temperatures this summer. Climate scientists say rising global temperatures, urbanisation and changing atmospheric conditions are contributing to more frequent and prolonged heatwaves, including unusually hot nights that offer little relief after sunset.
The IMD has urged residents to closely follow weather advisories as the capital braces for another spell of extreme heat in the coming days.