Delhi's Mercury Soars Past 45°C: Orange Alert, Power Crisis Looms

Delhi witnessed its first major heatwave spell of the month on Tuesday as temperatures crossed the 45 degrees Celsius mark in several parts of the national capital, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert. Authorities warned residents to prepare for prolonged extreme weather conditions, with forecasts indicating that the intense heat is likely to continue until May 25. The soaring temperatures have already disrupted daily life and pushed civic agencies into high-alert mode across the city.

According to the IMD, strong northwesterly winds blowing from the Thar Desert and adjoining regions of Pakistan are contributing to the extreme weather conditions in Delhi and surrounding areas. Combined with harsh sunlight and dry atmospheric conditions, the hot winds have trapped heat near the surface, resulting in the hottest day recorded in the capital so far this season. Weather officials also stated that several parts of northwest and central India are expected to remain under heatwave to severe heatwave conditions over the coming days.

As temperatures continued to rise, Delhi’s air quality also deteriorated sharply, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) slipping into the “poor” category at 336. Following the worsening pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) imposed Stage 1 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the Delhi-NCR region. The move is aimed at controlling emissions and preventing further deterioration in air quality during the heatwave period.

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Under the GRAP Stage 1 measures, authorities have banned the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants, and open eateries. The use of diesel generator sets has also been restricted, with permission granted only for emergency situations. Officials believe these restrictions are necessary to limit pollution levels during the ongoing weather crisis. Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that rising temperatures combined with stagnant atmospheric conditions can worsen pollution concentration in urban areas like Delhi.

The severe heatwave has also triggered a sharp increase in electricity consumption across the capital. According to data released by the State Load Dispatch Center (SLDC), Delhi’s peak power demand touched 7,776 MW on Tuesday, marking the highest electricity demand recorded in the city so far in 2026. The surge is largely being attributed to extensive use of air conditioners, coolers, and other cooling appliances as residents struggle to cope with the extreme weather conditions.

Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious and avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak afternoon hours. Citizens have been urged to stay hydrated, wear light-colored cotton clothing, and use hats, umbrellas, or cloth coverings to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses. Officials have also recommended keeping fire extinguishers at homes and inside vehicles as a precautionary measure during the intense summer spell. The IMD is expected to continue monitoring weather conditions closely as Delhi braces for another week of extreme heat.

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