The extreme heat wave that has engulfed the national capital Delhi, like most parts of northern India, over the past few days is far from over. The Meteorological Department forecasts indicate that the heat wave will continue, to varying degrees, through most of next week as well.
While Delhi residents got a brief respite from the sweltering heat with strong winds, thunderstorms and rain in some parts on Saturday, the heatwave is expected to sweep the capital once again from Sunday onwards.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heatwave conditions are very likely to be expected in some pockets of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. Between 24 and 29 May, with an intense heat wave between 24 and 27 May
The heatwave warning will not begin until the weekend of Friday 29 May 2026.
A short respite in Delhi from the heat wave
According to IMD, wind speeds were recorded during dust storm and thunderstorm activity up to 81 kmph on Pusa Road, 56 kmph in Palam and 35 kmph in Pragati Maidan.
A significant decrease in visibility was also recorded at Palam Airport, where visibility dropped from 3,500 meters to 1,500 meters within one hour.
The Meteorological Office said that gusty winds were prevailing in Delhi and the National Capital Region, and residents were advised to stay indoors until weather conditions improve and the winds dissipate. Light to moderate rain also fell in various areas of the city.
As per IMD data till 8.30 am on Saturday, the Ridge received 0.2 mm of rainfall between 11.30 pm on Friday and 2.30 am on Saturday.
Bosa received 2mm of rain between 5.30am and 8.30am on Saturday. No significant rain was recorded at any other weather station during this period.
However, the IMD later informed that the current wave of wind and thunderstorms has moved towards the southeast, away from Delhi.
“Light to light rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and dust storms are expected on Saturday. Strong surface winds with speed of 40-50 km per hour may continue,” an IMD official said.
Is Delhi no longer cold at night?
The scorching heat was not saving Delhi residents even at night as temperatures remained several degrees above normal. Safdarjung, the city’s weather representative, recorded a minimum temperature of 28.4 degrees Celsius, 1.7 degrees above normal and 0.9 degrees lower than the previous day.
Delhi has witnessed heatwave-like conditions over the past few days, with temperatures exceeding the 45 degree Celsius mark in many parts of the city and warm nighttime conditions continuing.
