IMD issues ‘yellow’ alert for Delhi as NCR sizzles: Do’s and Don’ts

The mercury touched 46.3 degrees Celsius at the automatic weather station in Southwest Delhi’s Najafgarh on Sunday. A maximum temperature of 44.5 degrees Celsius was recorded at the Ridge near Delhi University.

At Safdarjung, which houses the city's base observatory, temperatures soared to 42.9 degrees Celsius – three degrees above the normal.

The IMD has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for Delhi on Monday, which is a warning to ‘be aware’.

The weather agency has predicted heatwave conditions for Delhi on Monday.

The temperature is expected to hit a maximum of 43 degrees Celsius at the weather observatory in Safdarjung, while strong surface winds of 25 to 35 kmph are likely along with partly cloudy skies on Monday.

The maximum temperature is expected to persist at around 43°C on Tuesday as well.

A yellow alert in case of a heatwave means that “heat is tolerable for the general public but of moderate health concern for vulnerable people” such as infants, elderly people, and those with chronic diseases.

When a yellow alert is issued, the IMD advises that people take caution and stay updated with the weather advisory.

The IMD recommends the following precautionary steps in case of a yellow alert:

• Avoid heat exposure


• Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, cotton clothes


• Cover your head: Use a cloth, hat, or umbrella

In addition, the IMD suggests the following measures in case of heatwaves:

• Avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12 noon and 3 pm.


• Drink sufficient water and as often as possible, even if not thirsty.


• Avoid strenuous activities when the outside temperature is high.


• Avoid working outside between 12 noon and 3 pm.


• Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated soft drinks, as they dehydrate the body.


• Avoid high-protein food and do not eat stale food.


• If you work outside, use a hat or an umbrella and also use a damp cloth on your head, neck, face and limbs.


• Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles.


• If you feel faint or ill, see a doctor immediately.

The health impacts of heatwaves typically involve dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke. The IMD lists the symptoms of heat-related ailments as follows:

Heat Cramps: Ederna (swelling) and syncope (Fainting) generally accompanied by fever

Heat Exhaustion: Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and sweating

Heat Stroke: Body temperatures of 40°C or more along with delirium, seizures, or coma. This is a potentially fatal condition.

A slight respite from the sweltering heat is expected after Tuesday. The IMD has predicted light rain or thundershowers in Delhi on May 24 and 25. Very light rainfall is expected on May 26 and 27.

The maximum temperature is expected to drop to around 36 degrees Celsius on May 25.