Delhi sizzles as heatwave hits 42.8°C, third consecutive scorching day
Delhi records hottest April day in four years at 42.8°C; heatwave continues; IMD predicts gradual drop from April 28
Delhi faced sweltering heat again with Safdarjung hitting 42.8°C, marking third straight heatwave day. IMD forecasts relief by late April with temperatures dipping below 42°C.
heatwave, Delhi temperature, meteorological department, Safdarjung station, 42.8°C, April heat, light rain forecast
Delhi sweltered through its hottest April day in four years Saturday, with Safdarjung base station clocking 42.8°C—5 degrees above seasonal norms. This marked third consecutive heatwave day in the national capital, with temperatures from three other stations—Ridge (44.5°C), Lodhi Road (42.6°C), and Ayanagar (43.2°C)—also crossing critical thresholds.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed heatwave conditions for Sunday and Monday, though isolated areas might experience very light rain Tuesday to Wednesday. Sunday’s maximum could reach 45°C, with winds up to 35 kmph. By Tuesday, temperatures are projected to drop to 42°C, falling to 39-41°C by Wednesday.
IMD scientist Krishna Mishra attributed the prolonged heat to persistent easterly winds trapping warmth. “Conditions will ease as wind patterns shift lower,” he said, forecasting relief from April 28. Historically, Delhi had 11 heatwave days in April 2022 and three during the same week in 2025.
Warmer March temperatures, interrupted by western disturbances until April 8, gave way to a sharp rise after rainfall ceased April 9. Safdarjung crossed 40°C per April 16, but light rain on April 18 brought brief respite before heat surged again.
Minimum temperatures Saturday stood at 25.2°C—3°C above average—and could rise to 27°C by Monday, stressing urban districts facing consecutive highs.
