Delhi recorded a scorching 53.5°C 'feels like' temperature due to intense humidity, but IMD says the city does not yet qualify for an official heatwave. Here's why.
New Delhi: Delhi witnessed an oppressive "feels like" temperature of 53.5°C on June 30 due to soaring humidity and heat, but the IMD said the capital did not officially qualify for a heatwave.
Delhi endured sweltering weather on Tuesday as the heat index, or "feels like" temperature, climbed to 53.5°C by 5:30 pm. The combination of high temperatures and intense humidity made outdoor conditions particularly uncomfortable, even though the actual maximum temperature remained significantly lower.
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Safdarjung, the city's base weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 40.5°C, which was 3.1°C above normal. Ridge was the hottest location at 41.5°C, while Palam recorded 41.0°C. Lodhi Road and Ayanagar reported maximum temperatures of 40.1°C.
Why IMD did not declare a heatwave
Despite the extreme discomfort, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Delhi did not meet the official criteria for a heatwave.
According to the IMD, a heatwave can only be declared when at least two weather stations across the Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi subdivision record heatwave conditions. On Tuesday, only one station met the required threshold, preventing an official heatwave declaration.
Why Delhi felt much hotter than the actual temperature
Weather experts attributed the unusually high heat index to a combination of dry westerly winds arriving from Pakistan and moisture-laden southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea.
This interaction increased humidity levels, making the air feel much hotter than the recorded temperature. While some cloud formation occurred later in the day, it arrived only after peak temperatures had already been reached, limiting the chances of widespread rainfall and cooling.
Rain remained minimal across the city
Only trace rainfall was recorded at a few weather stations, including Safdarjung, Palam and Ayanagar, while Ridge received no measurable rain. The limited precipitation offered little relief from the oppressive conditions.
The IMD has indicated that thunderstorms and rainfall remain possible over the coming days, which could gradually ease temperatures if weather systems strengthen.
Published: 30 Jun 2026, 08:05 pm IST
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