Delhi continues to reel under an intense heatwave, with temperatures crossing 45 degrees Celsius and the feels-like heat index touching a staggering 51.9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, according to a PTI report. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the capital, warning residents of life-threatening conditions as the unrelenting heat shows no signs of easing.

The heat index, which factors in humidity to measure perceived temperature, peaked at 51.9 degrees Celsius, underscoring the unbearable conditions Delhiites are enduring. At 5.30 pm on Wednesday, Ayanagar recorded the highest actual temperature at 45 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Palam (44.5 degrees Celsius), Ridge (43.6 degrees Celsius), Pitampura (43.5 degrees Celsius), Lodi Road (43.4 degrees Celsius), and Safdarjung, the city’s base station, at 43.3 degrees Celsius. Mayur Vihar was slightly “cooler” at 40.9 degrees Celsius.

However, the IMD clarified that while the heat index is a useful indicator, it is not officially validated for Indian conditions. “It fluctuates throughout the day based on temperature and humidity changes, and we do not maintain formal records of it,” an IMD official said.

Relief may be on the horizon, with the IMD forecasting light rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds (40-50 km/h) from Thursday, June 12. From June 13 onward, Delhi will shift to a yellow alert as isolated pockets may continue to reel under heatwave conditions.

However, a marginal dip in mercury is likely, with day temperatures projected to remain closer to 42 degrees Celsius. The IMD has predicted no heatwave for the national capital between June 14 and 17. By Tuesday, temperatures may finally dip below the 40 degrees Celsius mark, with generally cloudy skies and light showers forecast for June 16–17.

The crisis extends beyond Delhi, with Punjab under a red alert for June 12-13 due to severe heatwave conditions. The IMD has warned of heat-induced illnesses, urging vulnerable populations, including the elderly and children, to take extreme precautions. Haryana faces similar conditions, though light rain may bring partial relief from June 13 onward.

With schools closed for summer vacations and the plains turning into furnaces, destinations like Nainital are witnessing chaotic overcrowding. Media reports highlight severe traffic jams in Uttarakhand as families from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana seek escape from the oppressive heat.

While the north battles extreme heat, southern India is bracing for heavy rainfall. The IMD predicts an active monsoon phase over Kerala, Konkan, and Goa from June 12-15, with isolated areas likely to experience extremely heavy downpours. The monsoon is expected to reach Himachal Pradesh by June 20 and Punjab around June 27.

Delhi’s temperatures are projected to remain above 40 degrees Celsius until June 14, after which cloudy skies and light rain could bring much-needed relief. For now, authorities advise staying indoors during peak hours, staying hydrated, and checking on vulnerable neighbours.

As the mercury continues to rise, health officials have urged the public to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours, avoid strenuous activities, stay hydrated and look out for symptoms of heatstroke such as dizziness, fatigue and rapid heartbeat. Authorities are also keeping tabs on potential power and water supply strains due to surging demand across the affected regions.