Delhi heat wave drives street surfaces to 64 °C as officials issue yellow alert

Thermal‑camera footage captured on Delhi streets showed surface temperatures soaring to 64 °C, while the India Meteorological Department recorded an air temperature of 43.5 °C. The disparity highlights the urban heat‑island effect that can make the heat felt by commuters, traffic workers and pedestrians far more severe than official readings suggest. Health experts warn that such extreme surface heat increases the risk of heat‑stroke and aggravates chronic conditions.

The India Meteorological Department later issued a yellow alert for the capital, warning of scattered thunderstorms, gusty winds and light rain. Forecasts called for daytime highs around 37 °C and lows near 23 °C, with the rain expected to improve air‑quality levels. The same weather system is also bringing relief to nearby Rajasthan, where temperatures have been hovering above 40 °C.

Combined, the extreme surface heat and the impending storm activity underscore the challenges Delhi faces in managing a severe heat wave season that typically runs from March to June.