The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi and the broader National Capital Region (NCR) for Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Residents should brace for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds throughout the day, offering a brief respite from the rising temperatures.
Today's forecast indicates that the maximum temperature will hover around 35 degrees Celsius, with the minimum settling near 27 degrees Celsius. This cooler spell is, however, expected to be temporary.
Weather Across the Capital Region
The yellow alert extends to a wide area, encompassing North, East, West, and South Delhi, along with neighboring cities like Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram. Strong winds are anticipated, which could potentially disrupt outdoor activities and plans for residents across these localities.
On Monday, Delhi experienced relatively milder conditions. The Safdarjung observatory, the city's official weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius, which was two degrees below the seasonal average. Other stations, including Palam, Ridge, Lodhi Road, and Ayanagar, also reported maximums ranging between 36.7 and 37.2 degrees Celsius, all below normal for this time of year. Despite overcast skies throughout Monday, no rainfall was recorded. Humidity levels fluctuated between 42 and 59 percent.
Air Quality Update and Coming Heatwave
Delhi's air quality remained in the moderate category on Monday. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 131. According to CPCB classifications, an AQI between 101 and 200 is considered moderate, suggesting it's neither critically clean nor hazardous, but still warrants monitoring, particularly for sensitive groups.
Looking ahead, the IMD predicts a significant shift towards warmer weather as the week progresses. While partly cloudy skies with a chance of thunderstorms and lightning might persist into May 13, conditions are expected to clear up thereafter. By May 17, under predominantly clear skies, the maximum temperature in Delhi is projected to reach an uncomfortable 40 degrees Celsius, signaling the return of intense summer heat.