May 17, 2026 06:05 pm (IST)
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Heatwave
IMD alerts Delhi may experience a heatwave this week. Photo: ChatGPT Recreated

Red alert for Delhi? Severe heatwave could push temperature to 45°C, alerts IMD

| @indiablooms | May 17, 2026, at 04:58 pm

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday warned that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist across the plains of northwest and central India over the coming days, with temperatures expected to rise further in several regions.

According to the IMD, maximum temperatures recorded over the past 24 hours ranged between 40°C and 45°C across most parts of central India and adjoining north peninsular India, many parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and adjoining Haryana. Temperatures across the rest of the country largely remained between 32°C and 40°C, except in parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, northeast India, south Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

The highest maximum temperature of 46.0°C was recorded at Amravati and Wardha in Vidarbha.

Temperature Forecast

The IMD has forecast a gradual rise of 3°C to 5°C in maximum temperatures across many parts of northwest India until May 21, with no significant change expected between May 22 and 23.

For Maharashtra and Gujarat, no major temperature fluctuation is expected until May 19, followed by a gradual fall of 2°C to 3°C between May 20 and 22.

Eastern and northeastern states, along with Telangana, are likely to witness a 2°C to 3°C rise in temperatures until May 19, after which conditions are expected to remain stable through May 23.

No significant temperature changes are expected over the rest of the country during this period.

Delhi Braces for Intense Heat

The national capital is expected to experience maximum temperatures ranging between 43°C and 45°C from Sunday through Tuesday, adding to the discomfort caused by prolonged heat exposure.

Heatwave Warning Across States

The IMD has issued heatwave alerts for several regions:

Rajasthan: May 17–23
Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi: May 18–23
Madhya Pradesh & Vidarbha: May 17–21
Chhattisgarh: May 20–21
Uttar Pradesh: Heatwave likely from May 17–23, with severe heatwave conditions expected in isolated pockets from May 19–23
Telangana: May 17–21

Additionally, warm night conditions are likely in isolated pockets of west Rajasthan on May 17 and 18.

Health Advisory and Safety Measures

The IMD cautioned that high temperatures significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for:

Infants and young children
Elderly people
Individuals with chronic health conditions
People exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods
Outdoor workers engaged in strenuous physical activity

Safety precautions recommended:

Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
Stay indoors during peak afternoon hours whenever possible
Drink plenty of water, even if not thirsty
Use ORS or consume hydrating homemade drinks such as lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, and buttermilk
Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothing
Keep living spaces cool and ventilated

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