The national capital is set to turn into a virtual furnace this week. On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Delhi, warning residents of an impending heatwave that could see temperatures soar to a blistering 44°C.
After a relatively stable start to the month, a combination of hot north-westerly winds and relentless solar radiation is expected to push the city to its thermal limits through Friday.
The Midweek Peak: Thermal Stress and Dry Winds
According to the latest IMD forecast, the heat stress will intensify significantly starting Wednesday. While the city recorded a maximum of 39.5°C on Monday—already three degrees above the seasonal average—the mercury is predicted to hover between 42°C and 44°C for the next 72 hours. This sharp spike is attributed to dry winds and uninterrupted sunshine hours, which are perfectly aligned to trigger official heatwave conditions. A heatwave is technically declared when the maximum temperature hits at least 40°C and deviates from the normal by 4.5°C or more.
Night Relief Fades as Minimum Temperatures Climb
It isn’t just the daytime sun that residents have to worry about; the nights are getting uncomfortably warm as well. The minimum temperature, which stood at 22.8°C earlier this week, is projected to climb to 25°C by April 25. This upward trend in night-time temperatures means the city will have little opportunity to cool down, adding to the overall physical exhaustion and discomfort for those without adequate cooling systems.
Air Quality Deterioration on the Horizon
While Delhi caught a brief break with “moderate” air quality on Monday (AQI 181), the relief is expected to be short-lived. The Air Quality Early Warning System suggests that as the heat intensifies and winds shift, the AQI will likely slip back into the “poor” category by Wednesday. This “double whammy” of high heat and dipping air quality poses a significant health risk, particularly for the elderly, children, and outdoor workers.
Heatwave History: How 2026 Compares
So far, April 2026 has been devoid of official heatwave days, a stark contrast to April 2022, which saw a grueling 11 days of extreme heat. However, the current trend is more aggressive than 2023 and 2024, which recorded no heatwaves at all in April. With the season’s previous high of 41°C (recorded back in March) about to be shattered, authorities are urging citizens to stay hydrated, avoid peak sun hours, and keep an eye on the latest weather bulletins.