Delhi Boils Under Scorching Heatwave, Power Demand Peaks Amid IMD’s Red Alert

New Delhi: The national capital continued to sizzle under extreme temperatures on Wednesday, as a relentless heatwave gripped the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi, warning residents to brace for potentially hazardous conditions, with the heat index touching a staggering 51.9°C in some areas.

Temperatures across Delhi ranged from 40.9°C in Mayur Vihar to 45°C in Ayanagar, making it one of the hottest days of the season so far. Other hotspots included Palam (44.5°C), Ridge (43.6°C), Pitampura (43.5°C), Lodi Road (43.4°C), and Safdarjung (43.3°C), highlighting the widespread nature of the heatwave.

The oppressive conditions also had a direct impact on the city’s power infrastructure. Delhi registered its highest electricity demand of the season, peaking at 8,231 MW at 10:55 PM, as residents heavily relied on air conditioning and cooling systems to cope with the sweltering weather, according to real-time data from the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC).

The IMD’s forecast brought a glimmer of hope, predicting a gradual decline in temperatures over northwest India from June 14 onward. The agency attributed the expected relief to an approaching western disturbance, which could help ease the extreme heat currently prevailing over West Rajasthan and adjoining regions.

However, the eastern parts of the country may not see immediate relief. While no major fluctuations are expected in the next 24 hours, a slight dip of 2-3°C is anticipated over the subsequent three days. Beyond that, no significant temperature changes are predicted for most parts of the country.