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New Delhi: The national capital recorded its first heatwave day of May on Tuesday as temperatures crossed 45 degrees Celsius, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert warning of heatwave to severe heatwave conditions until May 25. Delhi’s air quality deteriorated into the ‘poor’ category on Tuesday, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to activate Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR).

Delhi heatwave

According to the IMD, Safdarjung, the city’s base weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 45.1 degrees Celsius, nearly five degrees above normal and significantly higher than the previous day. Several parts of the national capital also witnessed intense heat, accompanied by dry winds and harsh sunshine.

Tuesday marked Delhi’s fourth heatwave day of the year. Earlier heatwave conditions were recorded on April 23, 24 and 25.

Delhi temperature today

Weather officials have forecast continued hot conditions over the coming days, with maximum temperatures expected to remain around 44 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. The IMD has warned that heatwave conditions could persist in isolated areas across the city through the week.

The soaring temperatures also pushed electricity demand higher. Data from the State Load Dispatch Centre showed Delhi’s peak power demand touched 7,776 MW on Tuesday, the highest recorded so far in 2026.

Delhi AQI

As temperatures climbed, Delhi’s air quality also worsened, slipping into the ‘poor’ category. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) had crossed the threshold for poor air quality and was expected to remain elevated in the coming days.

“The AQI of Delhi has shown increasing trend and recorded as 208 (‘Poor’ Category) today i.e. on 19.05.2026. Further, the forecast by IMD/ IITM indicates AQI to remain in ‘Poor’ category in coming days,” the CAQM said on Tuesday.

The AQI was recorded at 186 at 8 am on Wednesday.

CAQM invokes GRAP Stage 1

In response to the deteriorating air quality, the pollution watchdog activated Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect.

“As a result, the Sub-Committee on GRAP has decided to ‘invoke all actions under Stage-I (‘Poor’ Air Quality) of the extant GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect’,” the order stated.

GRAP 1 restrictions

Under GRAP Stage 1, the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants and open eateries is prohibited, while diesel generators can only be operated for emergency and essential services. Authorities have also been directed to strengthen anti-pollution measures and closely monitor air quality levels.

The CAQM said forecasts indicate Delhi’s air quality is likely to remain in the poor category over the next few days.