Delhi records warmest May night in 14 years as minimum hits 31.9°C

Delhi recorded its warmest May night in nearly 14 years after the minimum temperature at the Safdarjung weather station settled at 31.9 degrees Celsius on Thursday, May 21, according to the India Meteorological Department. The reading was 5.2 degrees above normal and marked the highest minimum for the month since May 26, 2012, when the minimum reached 32.5 degrees Celsius, according to IMD data carried by local media. (thehindu.com) The heat came after several days of daytime temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius in parts of the capital, with the weather office keeping an orange alert in place for Delhi and adjoining NCR areas. ### Why does a high night temperature matter as much as the daytime heat? A 31.9-degree Celsius minimum means the city did not cool down after sunset. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) The Times of India, citing IMD data, said Delhi recorded the season’s first “warm night,” a condition that can prolong heat stress because residents get little overnight relief. The IMD’s heatwave guidance issued on May 22 said heatwave to severe heatwave conditions were likely to continue over the plains of northwest India for the next six to seven days. In Delhi, that has meant both high daytime temperatures and elevated nighttime readings. ### Why do some reports mention 29.3°C instead of 31.9°C? (thehindu.com) May 22 brought a different reading. The Hindu reported that Delhi’s minimum temperature on Friday morning, May 22, was 29.3 degrees Celsius, 2.6 notches above normal, while the city remained under an orange alert and the maximum was expected to touch about 45 degrees Celsius. The two figures refer to different mornings. The 31.9-degree Celsius figure was the minimum recorded for Thursday, May 21, at Safdarjung and set the 14-year May-night record, while 29.3 degrees Celsius was the following day’s minimum. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) ### How long is the heat alert expected to last? (mausam.imd.gov.in) The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Delhi and adjoining NCR areas through May 27, according to multiple local reports citing the agency. The forecast calls for continued heatwave conditions, with maximum temperatures in the 45-46 degree Celsius range in parts of the region. (thehindu.com) Mint reported on May 22 that Delhi was in the grip of its fourth consecutive day of heatwave conditions, while air quality had slipped into the “poor” category. The Hindu separately reported an AQI reading of 226 on Friday morning. (thehindu.com) ### What is happening to electricity demand as the heat builds? Delhi’s electricity demand has already climbed sharply. State Load Dispatch Centre data cited by ANI showed peak power demand touched 8,039 MW at 3:35 p.m. on May 20, the highest recorded so far in 2026. Power-sector reports cited by ANI and other outlets said peak demand may cross 9,000 MW this summer if the heat persists. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) On May 21, separate reports said the city’s peak demand had already risen further to 8,231 MW. ### What should readers watch next? May 27 is the next key date in the current forecast window. (livemint.com) The IMD’s orange alert for Delhi-NCR runs through that day, and the agency’s heatwave guidance says severe conditions may continue across northwest India over the coming week. State Load Dispatch Centre data will also be watched as temperatures stay elevated. (tribuneindia.com) Delhi’s peak demand has already crossed 8,000 MW this week, and utilities have said the city could approach 9,000 MW if the heatwave continues. (delhisldc.org) (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)