Delhi Records Warmest May Night in 14 Years Amid Heatwave

Delhi Swelters Through Unusually Hot Night as Temperatures Stay Elevated

Residents across the national capital woke up exhausted on Thursday after Delhi experienced one of its hottest May nights in more than a decade. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said several weather stations in the city recorded “warm night” conditions, with minimum temperatures remaining abnormally high even after sunset.

At Safdarjung, Delhi’s primary weather observatory, the minimum temperature settled above normal levels, making it the warmest May night recorded in 14 years. Other parts of the city, including Ridge, Ayanagar and Palam, also reported oppressive nighttime conditions that offered little relief from the ongoing daytime heatwave.

The IMD defines a “warm night” as a situation where nighttime temperatures remain significantly above normal, particularly after a day of intense heat. Such conditions are considered dangerous because the human body gets very little time to recover from daytime heat stress.

The capital has been battling scorching conditions over the past week, with daytime temperatures repeatedly crossing 44 degrees Celsius in several localities. Thursday’s night temperatures hovering near or above 30 degrees Celsius added to public discomfort, especially in densely populated neighbourhoods with limited green cover.

Why Warm Nights Are More Dangerous Than Many Realise

While daytime heatwaves are visible and easier to prepare for, meteorologists say warm nights can quietly become a major public health threat.

“When the temperature does not fall adequately during the night, the body experiences continuous thermal stress,” said Dr RK Jenamani, a senior weather scientist and former IMD official. “People without access to cooling systems, especially the elderly, children and outdoor workers, face higher health risks.”

Medical professionals in Delhi hospitals said cases of dehydration, fatigue and heat-related illness have increased sharply this week. Emergency wards in government hospitals have seen a rise in patients complaining of dizziness, nausea and breathing discomfort during nighttime hours.

Doctors warn that sleep deprivation caused by excessive heat can also worsen heart conditions, diabetes and respiratory problems.

What Caused the Sudden Spike in Night Temperatures

Weather experts attributed the unusual conditions to a combination of factors, including dry westerly winds, heat retention in urban areas and delayed western disturbances.

Delhi’s expanding concrete landscape worsens the “urban heat island effect,” where buildings, roads and flyovers absorb heat during the day and release it slowly through the night. This prevents temperatures from cooling normally after sunset.

According to IMD officials, wind patterns also played a key role. Hot winds from Rajasthan and adjoining regions continued to flow toward Delhi-NCR, pushing both day and night temperatures higher.

“The absence of cloud cover and lack of rainfall activity have intensified heat accumulation,” an IMD official said. “Even nighttime cooling has become ineffective.”

Climate researchers say such episodes are becoming more frequent in Indian cities.

A recent study by the Centre for Science and Environment warned that Indian metropolitan regions are witnessing a steady increase in nighttime temperatures due to climate change and rapid urbanisation. Scientists say warmer nights are now emerging faster than daytime temperature increases in some regions.

North India Continues to Reel Under Heatwave Conditions

The heatwave is not limited to Delhi alone. Large parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh are also facing severe heat stress.

In Rajasthan’s Phalodi and Barmer regions, temperatures crossed 46 degrees Celsius earlier this week. Chandigarh and Lucknow also recorded unusually high nighttime temperatures.

The IMD has issued heatwave alerts for several north Indian states over the coming days. Officials said relief is unlikely before fresh western disturbances arrive toward the weekend.

Power demand in Delhi touched near-record levels as residents relied heavily on air-conditioners and coolers overnight. State power officials said electricity consumption surged during late-night hours — a sign that households were struggling to cope with the heat even after midnight.

Impact on Daily Life

The relentless heat has started affecting productivity and daily routines across the capital.

Construction workers, delivery personnel and traffic police are among the worst affected groups. Labour unions have urged authorities to issue mandatory afternoon work breaks during peak heat hours.

Schools in some neighbouring districts have adjusted schedules to avoid afternoon exposure. Parents across Delhi-NCR have also raised concerns about children travelling in crowded school buses during extreme temperatures.

At railway stations and bus terminals, passengers complained about inadequate cooling arrangements. Vendors selling water, glucose drinks and fruit juices reported a sharp rise in demand.

“It feels like the heat never ends,” said Rohit Kumar, a delivery worker in east Delhi. “Earlier nights used to provide some relief. Now even after 11 pm, the roads feel hot.”

Could Bengal Face Similar Conditions?

Although Delhi’s dry heat differs from eastern India’s humid climate, meteorologists say eastern states including West Bengal are also experiencing rising nighttime temperatures during summer months.

In coastal regions such as Haldia and Digha, high humidity often traps heat overnight, creating conditions similar to warm nights even at lower temperatures.

Weather experts warn that humidity-driven discomfort can become equally dangerous because the body struggles to cool through sweating.

The IMD has already indicated above-normal temperatures for several eastern Indian districts ahead of the monsoon transition period.

Government Response and Public Advisory

Delhi authorities have intensified heat-action measures, including water distribution points, medical assistance booths and public awareness campaigns.

The IMD has advised residents to:

• Stay hydrated throughout the day

• Avoid outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours

• Use light cotton clothing

• Keep homes ventilated during evening hours

• Check regularly on elderly family members

Health officials have also urged people not to ignore nighttime symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and unusual fatigue.

Experts say India may need stronger long-term urban planning solutions, including increased tree cover, reflective building materials and heat-resilient infrastructure.

What Happens Next

The IMD expects temperatures to remain above normal for the next 48 hours before possible dust storms or light rainfall activity bring temporary relief to parts of north India.

But scientists warn that extreme heat events are no longer isolated weather abnormalities. They are becoming a recurring feature of Indian summers.

And as cities continue expanding rapidly, the real challenge may no longer be surviving the afternoon heat — but enduring nights that no longer cool down.