Heatwave ‘Red Alert’ Issued for Delhi, Punjab Today; Telangana, Karnataka Brace for Heavy Monsoon Showers
Delhi and several parts of Punjab remained under a red alert Today as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) flagged severe heatwave conditions gripping North India. Temperatures soared above 45°C in some parts of the national capital, with the heat index — which factors in humidity — peaking at an oppressive 51.9°C.
The IMD has projected a possible shift in conditions starting June 14, driven by a western disturbance expected to bring rain and thunderstorms to Delhi and adjoining areas. “The severe heat is expected to persist till Thursday. A western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from the night of June 13,” said senior IMD scientist Naresh Kumar, speaking to PTI.
As of 5:30 pm Wednesday, Ayanagar was the hottest location in Delhi at 45°C, followed closely by Palam (44.5°C), Ridge (43.6°C), Pitampura (43.5°C), Lodi Road (43.4°C), Safdarjung (43.3°C), and Mayur Vihar (40.9°C).
The intense heat also drove Delhi’s peak power demand to a record 8,231 MW at 10:55 pm — the highest of the season — according to real-time data from the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC). In Punjab, dry and oppressive conditions persisted with the IMD maintaining a red alert for June 12 and 13. The agency has urged people to take necessary precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.
The IMD bulletin noted that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue over northwest India, including the western Himalayan region, till June 13 and ease thereafter.
In stark contrast, southern states are preparing for significant rainfall activity due to the revival of the southwest monsoon. Telangana is set to receive heavy rain in 10 districts on June 12, including Adilabad, Jagtial, Sangareddy, Vikarabad, Mahabubnagar, and Jogulamba Gadwal. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are also expected in isolated areas.
Karnataka, too, is witnessing active monsoon conditions, with widespread rainfall already recorded across multiple districts since Thursday. The IMD expects coastal and north interior Karnataka to continue experiencing rain through June 17. South interior Karnataka will receive fairly widespread rain until June 14, intensifying in the days that follow.
While northern India battles record-breaking heat, the contrasting weather patterns across the south reflect the ongoing monsoon dynamics, which IMD officials say are on track after a temporary slowdown earlier this month.
