New Delhi Records Highest July Temperatures in Two Years as Heat Index Hits 48 Degrees

New Delhi experienced its warmest July day and night in two years on Thursday, with the maximum temperature rising to 39.2 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature settling at 30.2 degrees Celsius. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the extreme heat combined with high humidity pushed the heat index, or "feels-like" temperature, to a scorching 48 degrees Celsius at 2:30 p.m.

The recorded maximum temperature on Thursday was four degrees above the normal average, while the minimum temperature settled at three notches above normal. The IMD noted that higher maximum and minimum temperatures in July were last recorded in 2024, when the maximum reached 39.3 degrees Celsius and the minimum reached 30.4 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists explained that these hot and humid conditions are defined by maximum temperatures remaining at least three degrees above normal, coupled with above-normal relative humidity. These oppressive conditions are expected to persist across the capital city through Saturday.

However, relief is on the horizon for New Delhi residents. A weather official from the meteorological department confirmed that respite is expected to begin on Saturday evening, as a spell of very light to light rain is projected to hit the region.

While the IMD forecast indicates no major change in the maximum temperatures over the next two days, a temperature drop of 3 to 5 degrees Celsius is highly likely after Saturday.

Specifically, the maximum temperature is expected to hover between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius on Friday. It is then forecast to dip to around 35 to 37 degrees Celsius on Saturday, before falling further to around 32 to 34 degrees Celsius by July 22.

Similarly, the minimum temperature is predicted to remain around 28 to 30 degrees Celsius on Saturday, with a projected drop to about 22 to 25 degrees Celsius by July 22.