Delhi Heatwave Imminent: IMD Predicts 45°C Next Week Across North India

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant warning for a severe and prolonged heatwave expected to grip North India, including the national capital Delhi, starting from Monday, May 18, 2026. The Hindustan Times article, published on May 17, 2026, accurately reports that temperatures in Delhi are forecast to potentially reach 45 degrees Celsius during this period. According to the IMD's latest press release and forecasts, a prolonged spell of heatwave is anticipated, with maximum temperatures in Delhi likely to hover between 43°C and 45°C, while minimum temperatures are expected to range from 25°C to 27°C. This aligns with Google's weather forecast data for Delhi, which shows maximum temperatures of 43°C (110°F) for May 18th and 19th, and reaching as high as 47°C (116°F) by May 27th. Other news outlets like India Today and News18 have also corroborated these predictions, emphasizing the potential for dangerous heat conditions in Delhi, with temperatures soaring to 45 degrees Celsius through the week. The heatwave conditions are not limited to Delhi alone but are projected to affect a wide swathe of North and Central India. The IMD's extended range outlook for May 15-28, 2026, indicates that heatwave conditions are highly likely over several states. Specifically, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi are under a heatwave warning from May 16th to 20th. West Rajasthan is expected to face severe heatwave conditions from May 18th to 21st, while Uttar Pradesh is also likely to experience heatwave conditions throughout the same period, with severe heatwave alerts for May 18th and 19th. Furthermore, the IMD has warned of heatwave conditions over other regions including Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana during various days of the upcoming two weeks. Nagpur Division, for instance, is forecast to see temperatures of 45°C (113°F) by May 20th and 21st, and 46°C (114°F) by May 27th. On May 16, 2026, Amravati in Maharashtra recorded the highest temperature in the country at 45.6 degrees Celsius, signaling the intensifying heat stress across central India. The escalating temperatures are attributed to the shift from cooler easterly winds to hot, dry northwesterly winds originating from central Pakistan and Rajasthan. This meteorological change is driving the sharp increase in mercury levels across the northern plains. In response to these forecasts, the IMD has issued comprehensive heatwave safety guidelines, advising citizens to take necessary precautions. These include avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during peak afternoon hours, staying adequately hydrated, wearing light and breathable clothing, and refraining from strenuous outdoor activities when temperatures are high. Special attention and care are advised for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. The IMD emphasizes that early awareness and preventive action are crucial to minimizing health risks associated with extreme heat. In a contrasting weather pattern, while North India braces for intense heat, the southern and northeastern states are preparing for the early onset of the monsoon. The IMD has predicted that the southwest monsoon advanced into the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on May 16th, ahead of schedule. The monsoon is expected to reach Kerala around May 26th, nearly a week earlier than its usual arrival date of June 1st. This dichotomy highlights the varied and complex weather systems currently influencing India. Overall, the Hindustan Times article's claims are well-supported by real-time IMD forecasts and corroborated by multiple credible news sources. The headline accurately reflects the severity and regional extent of the predicted heatwave, making it a critical news item for public awareness and preparedness in India.

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