After a brief respite, Delhi and several parts of north India are set to face another bout of intense summer heat. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that temperatures in the capital will once again hover around 40°C for at least a week. With no significant rainfall likely until June 14, residents are being urged to prepare for scorching conditions.
On Saturday (June 7), Delhi’s Aya Nagar recorded the highest temperature in the region at 41.7°C. Close behind were Palam (40.7°C) and Najafgarh (40.6°C), indicating widespread heat intensity across the capital. IMD officials stated that the mercury is expected to rise further, potentially hitting 43–44°C by June 10. The Air Quality Index (AQI) for the region also fell under the 'poor' category, with readings around 209.
Other regions in north and central India—namely parts of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan are experiencing similar heat wave conditions. The IMD classifies a heat wave when temperatures rise by 4.5°C or more above the seasonal average or cross 45°C in the plains.
Unusually, the early June weather has been hotter and drier than normal due to a delay in the arrival of the southwest monsoon. Typically, monsoon currents cover the entire Indian subcontinent by mid-July. However, this year, progress has been sluggish, mainly due to interruptions in cross-equatorial flow and weak easterly winds over the Bay of Bengal.
IMD scientist Dr. Rajeevan explained that the country is experiencing a “longer-than-usual monsoon break,” causing prolonged dry spells. "We are seeing an increasing trend of such hiatus periods during monsoon onset due to climatic variability," he noted.
Although parts of the northeast and southern peninsula received scattered rainfall, central and northwestern India remain parched. Delhi, in particular, has not seen any rainfall in over 15 days. This, coupled with low humidity levels and urban heat retention, has amplified the discomfort.
IMD has predicted a potential increase in rainfall activity only after June 10, with isolated showers possible in western Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. However, Delhi and adjoining regions may have to wait longer for any meaningful precipitation.
Health advisories have been issued, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and outdoor workers. Residents are advised to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activities.
As the national capital inches back toward oppressive summer norms, the coming week demands both caution and preparation. The public is encouraged to monitor daily weather updates and heat alerts through the IMD’s official channels.
Insightful Facts:
- Aya Nagar in Delhi recorded 41.7°C on Saturday.
- Palam and Najafgarh also crossed the 40°C mark.
- AQI in Delhi was 209 (‘poor’ category).
- Rainfall unlikely until at least June 10.
- Heat wave conditions prevail across Punjab, Haryana, UP, MP, and Rajasthan.
This early-June heatwave is not just a seasonal inconvenience but a wake-up call for preparedness in the face of changing climate patterns.
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