New Delhi woke up to a stifling Saturday on April 25, 2026, as the minimum temperature saw a steady climb, signaling the onset of intense summer conditions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has officially issued a yellow alert for the national capital, warning of potential heatwave conditions in isolated pockets of the city. This follows the season’s first recorded heatwave just a day prior, as dry westerly winds continue to bake the Indo-Gangetic plains.
Temperature Update: A Warm Start to the Weekend
The Safdarjung Observatory, which provides the representative data for Delhi’s weather, recorded a minimum temperature of 25.2°C this morning. This is 2.5 degrees above the seasonal normal and marks a slight increase from Friday’s reading. Other areas also felt the heat:
- Palam: 26.8°C (1.2°C higher than Friday)
- Lodhi Road: 24.0°C (1.4°C increase)
- Ayanagar: 25.1°C (1.7°C increase)
The IMD has forecast that the maximum temperature could soar to between 42°C and 44°C during the day, accompanied by sustained surface winds reaching speeds of 15–25 km/h.
Relief on the Horizon: Rain Predicted from April 26
While the heat is currently peaking, weather experts suggest that relief is only a few hours away. A fresh Western Disturbance and a cyclonic circulation are expected to bring a change in the weather pattern starting Sunday, April 26.
- Sunday & Monday: Expect cloudy skies and strong surface winds.
- Tuesday onwards: A spell of very light rain or drizzle is likely, which should significantly bring down the mercury and offer a much-needed respite from the scorching heat.
Health and Air Quality Advisory
With the heatwave conditions persisting, residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid direct sun exposure during peak afternoon hours. Additionally, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 243 (Poor) at 9 am today. While the air quality is expected to remain in the ‘poor’ category over the weekend, the predicted rainfall early next week is likely to wash away pollutants and improve the AQI to the ‘moderate’ level.