If it’s 40°C in Delhi, Why Does It Feel Like 50? IMD Explains and Warns of More Heat Ahead
Delhi may have clocked 41.8°C on Tuesday, but it felt more like 50°C—and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has explained why. The uncomfortable heat experienced by residents across the city wasn’t just due to the mercury rising but was significantly worsened by high humidity levels and atmospheric conditions triggered by a cyclonic system and western disturbances.
According to IMD, the humidity ranged between 67% and 43%, which is unusually high for May in Delhi. This elevated moisture content in the air reduces the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating, thereby increasing the “feels-like” or real feel temperature. On Tuesday evening, for instance, while Safdarjung station recorded an actual temperature of 40°C, the 43% humidity made it feel like almost 50°C.
Monday was even worse, with humidity touching 74%, pushing the discomfort index to extreme levels. “These are not typical humidity levels for Delhi in May,” an IMD official stated, adding that such conditions can be hazardous, especially for the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
The IMD attributes these anomalies to a combination of factors. A cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea and an ongoing western disturbance are injecting additional moisture into the northern plains, leading to high humidity levels despite the scorching sun.
“The hot, moist air traps heat near the ground, leading to urban heat island effects, where concrete and asphalt surfaces radiate heat and further increase the local temperature,” the IMD noted in its advisory.
Adding to the concern, the weather department has warned that the heatwave-like conditions will persist for the next few days. The maximum temperature is likely to stay around 42–44°C, with no major relief in sight until the weekend.
The IMD has urged people to stay hydrated, avoid going out during peak afternoon hours, and wear light, breathable clothing. It also advised caution against heatstroke, a potentially fatal condition caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
As Delhi continues to battle this intense spell of pre-monsoon heat, citizens are left hoping for early showers or at least a dip in humidity to make conditions more bearable.
