Delhi sizzled in extreme weather conditions with the mercury soaring to 48.3 degrees Celsius in Mungeshpur, North west Delhi, followed by Najafgarh area at 48.1 degrees celsius, making it the second hottest place in the country after Phalodi Rajasthan.

The average maximum temperature was recorded at 45.4 degree Celsius , a five notches above the normal at safdarjung observatory, which gave the feel factor at 55 degree Celsius.  According to the India Meteorological Department, there are no signs of relief from the heat in Delhi. Rather, the sun's heat will increase even more in the next four days. “Red alert has been issued,” IMD said.

Notably, a ‘red alert’ is issued when extreme weather conditions are a "high health concern" for vulnerable people, including infants, the elderly and those with chronic diseases and advised to stay indoor.

Notably, Seven weather stations in Delhi recorded above 46 degree Celsius which include Palam at 46.1 Degree Ceslsius, Ayanagar at 46.3 degree Celsius, Jafarpur at 46.9 degree Celsius, Narela at 46.7 degree Celsius and Pusa at 46.8 degree Celsius. The observatories at Ridge, Lodhi Road, Mayur Vihar, Rajghat recorded the maximum temperature above 44 degree Celsius. There was no heatwave in May 2023 in Delhi, which recorded a highest temperature of 43.7 degrees Celsius in the same month last year. In 2022, the national capital saw four heatwave days, according to the IMD data.

A heatwave may also be recorded when the maximum temperature is 40 degrees or more and 4.5 to 6.4 degrees above the normal.