A severe summer heatwave has driven temperatures across North India above 45°C [1], with some areas reaching 48°C [2].
These extreme conditions pose significant public health risks to millions of residents in the capital and surrounding regions. The combination of intense heat and high humidity increases the likelihood of heat-related illnesses and puts a strain on urban infrastructure.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) identified a critical heatwave period from May 21 to May 27, 2024 [2]. During this window, the capital city of Delhi and other northern territories faced brutal conditions that challenged daily operations and public safety.
Reports indicate a range of peak temperatures during the event. While some forecasts suggested temperatures would hit 45°C [1], other records show that temperatures actually touched 48°C [2]. The IMD said the most intense days occurred during the week of May 21 [2].
Officials said the severity of the heat was compounded by humidity levels. This atmospheric mix prevents the body from cooling efficiently through sweat, increasing the risk of heatstroke and dehydration for those without access to climate-controlled environments.
Residents in Delhi and North India have had to adapt to these conditions as the IMD continued to monitor the weather patterns. The agency issued alerts to warn the public of the extreme temperature spikes and the resulting health hazards [2].
“Temperatures touched 48°C”
The occurrence of temperatures reaching 48°C in North India highlights the growing vulnerability of densely populated urban centers like Delhi to extreme weather. When high humidity accompanies such heat, the 'real feel' temperature exceeds the actual reading, pushing human physiological limits and necessitating systemic changes in urban planning and public health response to prevent mass casualties during summer peaks.
