New Delhi, April 23, 2025 — The capital city woke up under a blazing sun this morning, with temperatures already hovering above 35°C by 10 AM and predicted to peak at 41°C later in the day. As if the heat wasn’t enough, Delhi’s air quality has once again fallen into the “poor” category, raising concerns about both short-term discomfort and long-term health risks.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributes the sharp temperature spike to a lack of cloud cover, dry northwesterly winds, and ongoing urban heat retention — a growing concern for a city that has become increasingly prone to extreme weather.
Meanwhile, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that the Air Quality Index (AQI) across Delhi ranged between 220 and 260 today, primarily due to elevated levels of PM2.5 and PM10. These fine particles not only reduce visibility but also aggravate respiratory problems, especially when combined with scorching heat.
A City Under Pressure
From Connaught Place to Kalkaji, life in Delhi slowed down noticeably as the heat built up through the day. Street vendors set up their stalls under makeshift shades, metro stations bustled with commuters avoiding the surface heat, and schools sent out reminders to parents to ensure children carry water bottles and wear hats.
“I had to step out to run errands, and it felt like walking through an oven,” said Ramesh, a resident of Lajpat Nagar. “There’s barely any wind, and the air feels thick. My throat started hurting within minutes.”
For many Delhiites, especially those who work outdoors or commute long distances, today’s weather is not just uncomfortable — it’s exhausting and dangerous. Auto-rickshaw drivers, construction workers, and street-side vendors face long hours in the heat, often without adequate hydration or shelter.
Health Advisories Issued
In response to the twin threats of heat and pollution, the Delhi Health Department and DDMA have issued advisories urging residents to take extra care. Among the recommendations:
- Stay indoors between noon and 4 PM if possible
- Wear light, breathable fabrics and use sunscreen
- Drink plenty of fluids — preferably water, coconut water, or buttermilk
- Use masks to reduce inhalation of dust and pollutants
- Avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors
Hospitals have already started seeing more patients with symptoms like heat exhaustion, headaches, dry cough, and difficulty breathing. Doctors are urging at-risk individuals — including the elderly, children, and those with asthma or heart conditions — to remain indoors as much as possible.
The Science Behind the Swelter
Delhi’s urban landscape, with its sprawling concrete, asphalt roads, and high-rises, traps heat more than it reflects it. This phenomenon, known as the urban heat island effect, makes the city several degrees warmer than surrounding rural areas.
And while April has always been a warm month, the pace of change has accelerated in recent years. Data shows that the number of days with temperatures over 40°C in April has doubled since the early 2000s.
Meanwhile, poor air quality in April — typically attributed to rising dust levels, traffic congestion, and pre-monsoon ozone buildup — now routinely adds to public health risks. Unlike winter pollution, which is often due to stubble burning and temperature inversions, summer air quality issues are more closely tied to urban activity and atmospheric chemistry.
Uneven Impact Across Communities
While residents of air-conditioned homes or offices may be able to escape the worst of today’s conditions, a large part of Delhi’s population does not have that luxury. In low-income settlements, residents often live in tin-roofed homes that turn into furnaces by mid-morning.
“Most of us can’t afford coolers, let alone air conditioning,” said Meena, a domestic worker in Shahdara. “We sprinkle water on the floor and try to keep the kids under the fan, but it doesn’t help much.”
NGOs and community groups are stepping up with simple but effective interventions — distributing ORS packets, installing temporary shade tents, and organizing health check-up camps. But such efforts, while helpful, underscore the larger need for systemic solutions.
Long-Term Outlook: A Hotter, Dirtier Future?
Experts say that unless serious climate adaptation measures are taken, Delhi’s summers will only grow more punishing. Projections suggest the capital could experience 20–30 days over 40°C annually by 2035, and possibly more by mid-century.
Environmentalists argue for urgent investments in green infrastructure — including tree cover, reflective roofing, improved waste management, and a transition to electric public transport. “We can’t treat this as just another hot day,” said Arjun Malik, a policy researcher. “This is the climate crisis, unfolding street by street, neighborhood by neighborhood.”
Improving public messaging and early-warning systems, expanding access to water, and designing cooler public spaces could also help cities like Delhi become more resilient.
Looking Ahead
The IMD has forecast that the current hot spell will persist for at least three more days, with no significant weather changes expected before the weekend. The AQI is also likely to remain in the “poor” or “moderate” range unless there’s a major shift in wind patterns or an early pre-monsoon shower.
In the meantime, residents are advised to stay informed, stay indoors when possible, and look out for one another. On a day like this, caution isn’t just wise — it’s necessary.