Delhi Sizzles as ‘Real Feel’ Hits 51°C; Rain Likely to Bring Relief From Monday

Delhi sweltered under oppressive heat and humidity on Saturday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recording a “real feel” or heat index of 51.3°C, making it one of the most uncomfortable days of the season despite forecasts of rain and thunderstorms.

The capital recorded a maximum temperature of 41.3°C, which was 4.1 degrees above normal, while the minimum settled at 30.8°C, nearly 3 degrees above the seasonal average. However, it was the high humidity that made conditions far more unbearable than the actual temperature suggested.

Relative humidity fluctuated between 35 per cent and 63 per cent during the day, pushing the heat index to dangerous levels. The IMD recorded a heat index of 46.2°C at 11.30 am, which climbed to 47.8°C by 5.30 pm before peaking at 51.3°C. The heat index reflects how hot it feels to the human body by combining air temperature with humidity.

The city also witnessed elevated wet-bulb temperatures, touching 29.77°C at 2.30 pm and remaining above 28°C into the evening. Wet-bulb temperature is a key measure of heat stress, as it reflects the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating. Experts warn that prolonged outdoor activity becomes increasingly risky as wet-bulb temperatures approach 32°C, while 35°C is considered the threshold beyond which the human body can no longer effectively regulate its temperature.

Explaining the unusually muggy conditions, Mahesh Palawat, Vice President of Skymet Weather, said moisture-laden southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea are raising humidity across northwest India.

“Currently, southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea are bringing moisture over Pakistan and northwestern India, increasing humidity levels. The combination of high temperatures and moisture is pushing up the ‘feels-like’ temperature. The southwest monsoon is still not close to Delhi. If it were, winds would be arriving from the Bay of Bengal, which is not happening at present. Therefore, the heat index is likely to remain high over the next few days,” he said.

According to the IMD, daytime temperatures are expected to hover between 39°C and 41°C until Monday before gradually easing to 33°C-35°C later in the week.

Relief, however, may finally be on the horizon. The weather department has forecast rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds from Monday through Friday, with a yellow alert issued for Tuesday and Wednesday. Night-time temperatures are also expected to decline, dropping to 21°C-23°C by Friday.

Palawat said scattered showers expected around July 2 or 3 should bring down temperatures, while the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Delhi after July 4, offering more sustained relief from the prolonged spell of heat and humidity.