Heatwave Scorches Delhi, Relief Likely After June 13; Heavy Rain in South India

Delhi continued to reel under a punishing heatwave on Wednesday, with temperatures soaring across the city and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert. Daytime temperatures ranged from 40.9°C to 45.0°C, and the heat index—factoring in humidity—hit a sweltering 51.9°C.

The IMD has forecast some much-needed relief for northwest India starting June 14. While the heatwave persists in parts of West Rajasthan and nearby regions, temperatures are expected to gradually dip from mid-June.

For Delhi, a reprieve may be on the horizon after Friday. A western disturbance moving in from June 13 is likely to bring light rain and thunderstorms to the capital, according to IMD scientist Naresh Kumar. Until then, the extreme heat is expected to continue, with Thursday likely to be just as harsh.

As of 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Ayanagar was the hottest part of Delhi at 45°C, followed by Palam (44.5°C), Ridge (43.6°C), and Pitampura (43.5°C). The IMD's alert remains active, urging residents to stay cautious and hydrated. The intense heat also pushed Delhi’s power demand to its highest peak of the season—8,231 MW at 10:55 p.m., according to the State Load Dispatch Centre.

Red Alert in Punjab

Punjab is also in the grip of a severe heatwave, with the IMD issuing a red alert for June 12 and 13. Temperatures there have remained significantly above normal, and the weather is expected to stay dry. The IMD warned that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions would persist in northwestern India, including the western Himalayan region, until June 13 before beginning to ease.

South India Faces Heavy Rainfall

While the north battles scorching heat, the south is bracing for heavy rain.

In Telangana, the IMD has issued a heavy rainfall warning for 10 districts on June 12, including Adilabad, Sangareddy, Mahabubnagar, and Vikarabad. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds are also expected in many parts of the state.

Meanwhile, Karnataka is already experiencing the impact of the revived southwest monsoon. Rain has been falling across the state since Thursday, and the IMD has predicted widespread showers in coastal and north interior Karnataka through June 17. South interior Karnataka will see fairly widespread rain until June 14, with intensity expected to increase afterward.

Bottom Line:

While northern India continues to endure an intense heatwave, changes in weather patterns are offering hope for cooler conditions in the coming days. Meanwhile, southern states are dealing with a different challenge—heavy rainfall and the onset of the monsoon season.