Delhi’s Scorching Summer: 40°C Feels Like 50°C – Here’s Why
As the sun beats down on Delhi this May, residents are left wondering how 40 degrees Celsius can feel so brutally hot — sometimes even like 50°C. Streets shimmer, air feels heavy, and even the shade offers no relief.
But this is not just in your head. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirms that while actual temperatures may be around 40°C, the “real feel” or heat index is much higher — and there are scientific reasons behind this alarming discrepancy.
What is Heat Index and Why Does It Matter?
Understanding the ‘Feels Like’ Temperature
The heat index is what weather scientists call the “apparent temperature”—a measure of how hot it actually feels to the human body when relative humidity is factored in with air temperature.
Delhi’s rising humidity levels, combined with high daytime temperatures and stagnant winds, make your body feel hotter than the thermometer shows.
For instance, when:
Temperature = 40°C
Relative Humidity = 50–60%
Then, the heat index = 48–50°C
This is what many Delhiites are experiencing today — an invisible but deadly form of heat.
IMD’s Explanation: Why Delhi Feels Like a Furnace
According to the IMD, a combination of four main factors is amplifying Delhi’s heat:
1. High Humidity
Moisture in the air slows down the body’s ability to cool through sweat evaporation, leading to a feeling of suffocation and overheating.
2. Urban Heat Island Effect
Delhi’s concrete jungle — with roads, buildings, and traffic — traps heat. This man-made phenomenon causes cities to remain hotter than nearby rural areas, especially at night.
3. Low Wind Speeds
A lack of breeze during the daytime means hot air stays trapped closer to the surface, intensifying discomfort.
4. Radiant Heat from Surfaces
Sunlight heats up roads, vehicles, and rooftops, which then radiate heat back into the atmosphere — effectively turning the city into a giant oven.
Health Alert: What This Means for You
A Heatwave Beyond Numbers
According to the IMD, Delhi and NCR are under a “severe heatwave alert” for the coming week. The combination of temperature and humidity can pose serious health risks, especially for:
Children and elderly people
Outdoor workers and street vendors
Pregnant women
People with heart and respiratory conditions
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Dizziness or nausea
Excessive sweating or complete absence of sweating
Headaches or muscle cramps
Rapid heartbeat
How to Stay Safe During This Extreme Heat
IMD and Health Experts Recommend:
✅ Stay Indoors (11 AM – 4 PM): Avoid going out in peak sunlight hours.
✅ Hydrate Frequently: Even if you’re not thirsty, drink water regularly.
✅ Wear Loose Cotton Clothing: Helps the body breathe and cool naturally.
✅ Avoid Alcohol or Caffeinated Drinks: These dehydrate your body.
✅ Use Wet Towels or Cold Showers: To bring body temperature down.
✅ Check on Vulnerable Neighbors: The elderly and sick need extra care.
More Hot Days Ahead, Says IMD
The IMD has forecasted no major relief from the heat for the next 5–7 days. In fact, temperatures may rise 2–3 degrees higher in some regions of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
In short, Delhi’s summer is far from over, and the worst may still be ahead.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Thermometer – A Wake-Up Call
When we talk about summer heat, it’s no longer just about numbers on a screen — it’s about how people feel, struggle, and survive each day. For Delhi’s rickshaw pullers, school children, traffic cops, and even pets, 40°C feels like 50°C isn’t a metaphor — it’s a daily reality.
As global warming continues to intensify and urban expansion worsens the heat island effect, cities like Delhi may need to rethink how we design our urban spaces, support vulnerable populations, and stay prepared for longer, harsher summers.
Until then, stay safe, stay indoors, and remember — the real danger isn’t just the heat, it’s how it feels.
