Delhi heatwave intensifies as humidity drives feels-like temperature over 50°C, monsoon delayed

India's capital recorded maximum temperatures of 41 °C to 41.8 °C on June 28‑29, while humidity pushed the heat‑index (feels‑like temperature) to 48 °C and up to 51.3 °C, creating muggy conditions that felt markedly hotter than the actual air temperature.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Tuesday and Wednesday, forecasting light rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds of 20‑30 km/h with gusts up to 40‑50 km/h. Thunderstorms are expected to continue from Monday through Friday, with rainfall providing relief and temperatures projected to fall to the mid‑30s °C by mid‑week. The monsoon, which missed its usual June 27 onset, is expected to advance further after July 4.

Delhi also recorded its warmest morning in two years (minimum 31.1 °C) and maintained a moderate air‑quality index (AQI ≈ 130‑157). Health officials warned of increased risk of heat‑related illnesses due to the combination of high temperature, humidity, and elevated wet‑bulb temperatures (peak 29.8 °C).