Delhi hits 42.8°C heatwave

Delhi logged its first citywide heatwave of 2026 on Saturday, with Safdarjung, the city’s base weather station, reaching 42.8°C. (hindustantimes.com) (business-standard.com) The India Meteorological Department said four of Delhi’s five key observatories met the formal conditions for a citywide heatwave, and it kept a yellow alert in place into Sunday and Monday. (hindustantimes.com) (mausam.imd.gov.in) The hottest pockets ran above Safdarjung’s reading. Ridge touched 44.5°C, Ayanagar 44.1°C and several stations crossed 43°C as dry westerly winds pushed temperatures higher across the capital. (business-standard.com) (msn.com) Sunday stayed punishing even after the peak passed. Safdarjung still recorded 42.1°C at 5:30 p.m., while the minimum temperature rose to 26.2°C, the warmest night of the month there. (mausam.imd.gov.in) (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) In Delhi, a heatwave is not just “very hot weather.” The IMD declares one when the maximum is at least 40°C and 4.5°C above normal, or when it reaches 45°C outright. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) (mausam.imd.gov.in) That made Saturday notable at Safdarjung: 42.8°C was 5.1°C above normal, and news reports said it was the station’s highest April maximum in four years. (business-standard.com) (msn.com) The Delhi government has moved into heat-response mode. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reviewed the Heat Wave Action Plan 2026, ordering cool rooms in hospitals, drinking water at public places, and safety steps for schools and outdoor workers. (oneindia.com) (republicworld.com) Schools were told to keep oral rehydration solution, avoid afternoon assemblies, and ensure drinking water and shaded rest areas as temperatures climbed. (msn.com 1) (msn.com 2) Relief is in the forecast, but not immediately. The IMD said isolated heatwave conditions could continue on Monday, April 27, before cloud cover, light rain and stronger winds pull daytime highs below 40°C by midweek. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) (mausam.imd.gov.in) Until that change arrives, Delhi is dealing with the harder part of a heatwave: not just a scorching afternoon, but a city that stayed hot after dark. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)