Delhi Swelters as Humidity Pushes 'Feels-Like' Temperature to 49.6°C

Delhi endured another day of oppressive weather on Monday as soaring humidity pushed the 'feels-like' temperature to 49.6°C in parts of the national capital, despite the actual maximum temperature remaining below 39°C. The sweltering conditions highlighted the growing impact of urban heat stress , with meteorologists warning that high moisture levels can make heat significantly more dangerous.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) , the city's base station at Safdarjung recorded a maximum temperature of 38.6°C , around 2°C above the seasonal average , while the minimum settled at 27°C . The day matched Sunday as Delhi's warmest July day in two years , with the last higher July maximum of 38.8°C recorded on July 11, 2024 .

Other weather stations also reported above-normal temperatures. Palam recorded 38.5°C , Lodhi Road touched 38.3° C the highest positive departure at 3.3°C above normal while Ridge and Ayanagar logged maximum temperatures of 38.1°C and 37.7°C , respectively.

Although several parts of the city received light rainfall during the 24-hour period ending Monday morning, no rain was recorded between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm , allowing heat and humidity to intensify through the day. The IMD has forecast generally cloudy skies with moderate rainfall on Tuesday and issued a yellow alert , expecting temperatures to ease slightly, with the maximum likely to settle around 36°C .

The episode underscores a growing challenge for Indian cities, where climate change , rapid urbanisation, shrinking green cover, and the urban heat island effect are making heatwaves more frequent and humidity-driven heat stress more severe. Even when air temperatures remain below heatwave thresholds, elevated humidity reduces the body's ability to cool itself through sweating, pushing the heat index to dangerous levels and increasing health risks, particularly for outdoor workers, children, older adults, and those with underlying medical conditions.

Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'satisfactory' category , with a 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) of 94 recorded at 4 pm, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) , offering some respite despite the city's uncomfortable weather conditions.