Mercury Hits 42.8°C In Delhi, Year’s Highest, IMD Predicts Thunder Showers Next Week

New Delhi: The national capital, Delhi, on Friday scorched under the year’s harshest heat yet, with the maximum temperature touching 42.8 degrees Celsius, the highest recorded in the capital so far in 2026. The reading, logged at the Safdarjung observatory, which serves as the city’s base station, pushed the mercury well above normal levels for late April. The reading not only marked the highest temperature of the year so far but was also the hottest the capital has seen since 28 April 2022, when the maximum touched 43.5°C.

The oppressive heat arrived with dry westerly winds and striking sunshine, turning pavements into griddles and leaving residents searching for shade by mid-morning. At 5.1 degrees above the seasonal average, the day met the India Meteorological Department’s heatwave criteria, showing that summer has tightened its grip on the national capital.

The IMD has, however, offered a little glimmer of hope, predicting that easterly winds in the lower troposphere are expected to set in, and light rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds are forecast from Monday to Wednesday, which should gradually pull temperatures down.

3rd Day Of Heatwave Conditions

The IMD confirmed that Saturday was the third consecutive day of heatwave conditions in Delhi-NCR, revising its earlier note that had labelled Friday as the first isolated heatwave day. A heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is 40°C or above and is 4.5°C to 6.4°C higher than normal, and when at least two stations meet the threshold.

According to information, on Saturday, Safdarjung recorded 42.8°C, which was 5.1°C above normal and 0.9°C higher than on Friday. On the other hand, other stations fared worse as the ridge logged 44.5°C, a full 6.1°C above normal, while Lodhi Road touched 42.6°C, 5.6°C above normal. Ayanagar registered 43.2°C, which was 4.8°C above normal. The department clarified that Thursday was technically the first heatwave day, as both Rohtak in Haryana and Delhi’s Ridge had met the criteria.

A yellow alert that was in place for Saturday has been extended to Sunday, cautioning residents against prolonged exposure due to isolated heatwave conditions. The doctors have advised people to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor work between noon and 4 pm, and watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion.

Rain Predicted, AQI Slips To ‘Poor’

The Met department expected the maximum temperature to begin easing by Tuesday, dropping to 38-40°C by the end of the week, with minimum temperatures hovering around 25-27°C. From Monday to Wednesday, the city could see light rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds, which should break the spell of dry heat.

As per the department, the scorching weather coincided with a dip in air quality. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 243 at 4 pm on Saturday, classified as ‘poor’ by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), up from 226 on Friday. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered ‘poor’, though the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) has forecast an improvement to ‘moderate’ in the coming days as rain and winds help disperse pollutants.

Amidst heatwave predictions, the residents in Delhi are bracing for one more day of heat before the weather turns. Water kiosks, sugarcane juice stalls and earthen pot vendors have seen brisk business, while power demand has surged with air-conditioners running non-stop.