Delhi-NCR heatwave: The National Capital Region (NCR) sweltered under an intense thermal onslaught on Tuesday as it registered the hottest day of the summer season so far. Ambient temperatures across the capital shattered previous records for the year, consistently soaring past the punishing 45°C mark in multiple localities.
According to the latest data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) at 5:30 PM, the capital region is experiencing a severe, relentless heatwave spell.
On Monday, May 18, 2026, Delhi witnessed the highest summer temperature of the season when temperatures soared to around 44°C, with Safdarjung station measuring 43.4°C. However, Tuesday saw another sharp increase in temperatures with the mercury level soaring to 45.1°C at Safdarjung.
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Ridge station reaches 46.5°C with severe heatwave deviations at 6°C above normal
The increase in the degree of daytime heating was fast. The major observatories had already crossed the 41°C mark by 11:00 AM, soon rising to the city-wide average of 44°C by 12:45 PM.
The microclimate variations in the regional weather stations showed alarming escalations in temperature. The Ridge station measured the highest temperature in the capital region with 46.5°C.
Delhi-NCR Tuesday temperature maximums
Ridge observatory: 46.5°C (hottest location)
Ayanagar station: 45.5°C
Lodhi Road center: 45.2°C (6.2°C departure from normal)
Safdarjung / Palam: 45.1°C
The IMD stressed that these temperatures are a departure from seasonally normal levels by a large margin. The largest deviation was recorded at Lodhi Road at 6.2°C, followed by Ridge at 5°C and Safdarjung at 4.7°C. Given the combination of extremely high temperatures, no precipitation, and a clear sky, this spell of extreme heat is now considered a heat wave.
No respite during nights: Hot evening temperatures compound heat wave
The already existing heat wave has been further complicated by the exceptionally warm nighttime temperatures, which fell only to the range between 27°C and 28.2°C in the city. Safdarjung recorded the lowest nighttime temperature at 28.2°C, followed by Palam and Ridge at 28.1°C.
Health experts have pointed out that nighttime temperatures are very critical during heat waves since high nighttime minimums mean that the body does not have the chance to cool down. This increases the chances of developing heat exhaustion and heat stroke, among other health hazards.
Pollution troubles multiply as CAQM declares GRAP Stage-I amid AQI of 208
Amidst the extreme health complications resulting from the heatwave, there has been a simultaneous decline in the air quality in the region. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday afternoon declared GRAP Stage-I for the whole of the National Capital Region with immediate effect.
The emergency pollution control measures were taken after the daily average AQI in Delhi increased suddenly to 208, putting it in the “poor” category.
According to the official statutory notice by CAQM:
“AQI of Delhi has shown an increasing trend and was recorded as 208 (‘Poor’ Category) today, i.e., on 19.05.2026. Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM indicates the AQI to remain in the ‘Poor’ category in the coming days.”
With the declaration of GRAP Stage-I, the implementing agencies of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad have been instructed to increase the frequency of dust suppression drives, strictly regulate the construction sites, and clamp down on the practice of open biomass burning to stop further deterioration of air quality.
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