Delhi sizzles at 51°C 'feel-like' temp amid high humidity; rain expected
Delhi experienced a scorching 'feel-like' temperature of 51.3°C on Saturday, June 28, 2026, due to high humidity and actual temperatures around 41.3°C. This marked the highest 'feel-like' temperature of the year. Relief is anticipated with monsoon showers expected from Monday, July 1, 2026.
Key Highlights
- Delhi's 'feel-like' temperature hit 51.3°C on June 28, 2026.
- High humidity was a major factor contributing to the extreme 'feel-like' temperature.
- Actual maximum temperatures hovered around 41.3°C.
- Monsoon rains are forecast to bring relief starting Monday, July 1, 2026.
- This is the highest 'feel-like' temperature recorded this year in Delhi.
New Delhi grappled with intense heat and humidity on Saturday, June 28, 2026, as the "feel-like" temperature in parts of the city soared to a staggering 51.3 degrees Celsius. This figure, also known as the heat index, represents the temperature as it would feel to the human body when relative humidity is combined with air temperature. The actual maximum temperature recorded was around 41.3°C, which was 4.1°C above normal for this time of year. The high humidity, a result of moisture-laden southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea feeding into northwestern India, significantly amplified the heat's oppressive effect.
Experts noted that this combination of high actual temperature and elevated humidity made the conditions particularly muggy and uncomfortable, with the 'feel-like' temperature reaching the highest point of the year so far. The wet-bulb temperature, another indicator of heat stress which measures the lowest temperature achievable through evaporative cooling, also peaked at 29.77°C, approaching levels that can impair the human body's ability to cool itself.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted rainfall and thunderstorms over the weekend, but these forecasts did not significantly materialize, leaving Delhi to endure the sweltering conditions. This delay in the monsoon's arrival has been attributed to the absence of a strong low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, which is crucial for pushing the monsoon rains further north. The normal onset date for the monsoon in Delhi is June 27, but this year it was delayed, with some reports suggesting an expected arrival around July 3 or 4.
However, a cooling trend is anticipated with the imminent arrival of the monsoon. Rainfall is expected to commence from Monday, July 1, 2026, bringing much-needed respite from the heat and humidity. Forecasts indicate that maximum temperatures are likely to drop significantly, potentially falling to between 34°C and 36°C by Thursday, July 3, and further declining to 33°C-35°C on Friday.
Several news outlets, including The Economic Times, NDTV, and The Print, also reported on similar extreme 'feel-like' temperatures around this period, corroborating the severity of the heatwave. The Hindustan Times, from which the article is sourced, has consistently reported on Delhi's heatwave conditions, often detailing the 'feel-like' temperatures and humidity levels contributing to the discomfort. The news category is primarily Weather and India. The story is specific to India, specifically Delhi. The publication date of the Hindustan Times article is June 28, 2026. This is a significant weather event impacting a large population, hence rated High in importance and urgency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Delhi's 'feel-like' temperature to reach 51.3°C?
The 'feel-like' temperature of 51.3°C in Delhi was primarily caused by a combination of high actual temperatures (around 41.3°C) and significantly elevated humidity levels, which made the heat feel much more oppressive.
When is the monsoon expected to arrive in Delhi and bring relief?
The monsoon was expected to arrive in Delhi around July 3-4, 2026, bringing relief from the heat and humidity. Rainfall was anticipated to begin around Monday, July 1, 2026.
Is 51.3°C the actual temperature in Delhi?
No, 51.3°C was the 'feel-like' temperature or heat index, which simulates how hot it feels to the human body due to the combination of air temperature and humidity. The actual maximum temperature recorded was around 41.3°C.