Delhi recorded its warmest night for the month of May in nearly 14 years on Monday (May 25, 2026) as the minimum temperature settled at 32.4 °C, 5.7° above the season's normal. The last time the minimum temperature was higher in this month was on May 26, 2012, when it was recorded at 32.5 °C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Delhi records warmest May night in 14 years, ‘orange’ alert for heatwave
The city had witnessed similar conditions earlier this month as the minimum temperature stood at 31.9°C on May 21 this year, the IMD data showed. According to the IMD, the minimum temperature recorded at Palam was 30.5°C, 3.4° above normal,Lodi Road 30°C, 5° above normal, Ridge 30.6°C, 4.4° above normal, and Ayanagar 32°C, 5.3° above normal.
"Warm night conditions have been recorded at Safdarjung, Lodi Road and Ayanagar," an IMD official said.
A warm night is declared when the maximum temperature remains 40°C or more and the minimum temperature departure is between 4.5°C and 6.4°C above normal, according to the IMD.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions on Monday (May 25, 2026), with the maximum temperature likely to hover around 44°C.
Delhi also witnessed mild dust storms during the evening hours on Sunday (May 24, 2026), leading to a deterioration in air quality. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 206 in the 'poor' category at 9 am on Monday (May 25, 2026).
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.
Published - May 25, 2026 11:20 am IST
Source: The Hindu - India News
