India is facing a stark weather dichotomy this week, with its northern and southern metros experiencing extreme climate events at the same time. While Delhi is reeling under a severe heatwave, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert, Bengaluru is preparing for relentless monsoon rains, raising the risk of urban flooding and disruption.
The contrast between scorching temperatures in the north and intense rainfall in the south underscores the unpredictable nature of India’s summer-monsoon transition, which is growing more erratic each year — a pattern increasingly attributed to the climate crisis.
Delhi’s Heatwave Crisis: Temperatures at Dangerous Highs
In Delhi, temperatures have surged above 45°C in several areas. The mercury touched 45.2°C in Aya Nagar and crossed 43°C at Safdarjung — Delhi’s official weather station. However, the more alarming statistic is the “feels-like” temperature, which exceeded 52°C on June 11 due to a combination of high humidity and radiant heat.
The IMD responded by issuing a ‘Red Alert’, its highest warning level, cautioning residents about “very severe heatwave conditions.” Such alerts are issued only when prolonged exposure can cause significant health risks, even for healthy individuals.
The city has witnessed a rise in cases of heat exhaustion, sunstroke, and dehydration, with public hospitals reporting a surge in heat-related admissions. Ambulance services are on standby across several districts, and the Delhi government has advised citizens to limit outdoor activity, especially between 11 AM and 4 PM.
Heat’s Impact on Daily Life in Delhi
Schools have shortened hours or postponed outdoor activities. Construction workers and delivery personnel are among the most affected, as many work under direct sun exposure. Authorities have distributed free ORS sachets and installed additional water points in public areas.
Power consumption has skyrocketed, putting pressure on the city’s electrical grid. With air conditioners and coolers running at full capacity, local outages have been reported in certain areas due to the overload.
Bengaluru: Bracing for a Wet Week Ahead
In sharp contrast, Bengaluru is under an Orange Alert, with forecasts warning of moderate to heavy rainfall over the next five days. The city experienced early showers on June 11, with daytime temperatures dipping to a relatively cool 28°C and minimums around 21°C.
The IMD attributes the incoming weather system to strong monsoon currents from the southwest, intensified by low-pressure formation over the Bay of Bengal. Satellite imagery shows dense cloud bands covering much of southern Karnataka.
Residents have been warned to prepare for possible traffic congestion, localized flooding, waterlogging, and weakened infrastructure such as tree falls or landslides in elevated zones. Bengaluru’s civic authority, BBMP, has deployed emergency teams to clear drains and remove debris ahead of the anticipated downpour.
Authorities on High Alert
Both cities are now in full disaster-readiness mode. In Delhi, the health and disaster management departments are working together to manage the heat crisis. Mobile medical units are being dispatched to areas with vulnerable populations, such as slum clusters and homeless shelters.
In Bengaluru, the city’s municipal body has suspended permissions for road digging and construction near stormwater drains. Emergency helplines are being circulated, and public announcements are urging residents to avoid flooded streets and report fallen trees or dangerous structures.
What the IMD Says About the Outlook
According to the latest IMD bulletin:
- Delhi will continue to experience heatwave conditions till at least June 13, with a possibility of thunderstorms and gusty winds by June 14–15. These may bring brief relief but won’t mark the onset of the monsoon just yet.
- Bengaluru will see intermittent showers with heavy spells likely through the weekend, with peak rainfall expected around June 13 and 14. The city is already on edge following recent urban floods, and officials are taking no chances.
The monsoon is expected to progress toward central India in the coming week, which may alter weather patterns across the country by mid-June.
Climate Experts Raise the Alarm
Climate scientists have noted that such extremes are becoming more frequent and intense. Dr. Anjali Nair, a climatologist at the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, said:
“We’re seeing a widening gap in India’s weather conditions — not just regionally, but in terms of intensity. A heatwave of this magnitude in the north and heavy pre-monsoon showers in the south occurring simultaneously is no longer unusual.”
The pattern fits within global trends showing increased weather volatility due to global warming. Urbanization without adequate green cover or drainage planning has further amplified the effects.
How to Stay Safe During Extreme Weather
Delhi – Heatwave Safety Tips:
- Stay indoors during midday hours.
- Drink 8–10 glasses of water even if not thirsty.
- Use wet cloths or take cold showers to cool the body.
- Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion: dizziness, fatigue, dry skin, confusion.
Bengaluru – Rain Preparedness Tips:
- Stay away from water-logged roads and open drains.
- Charge devices and keep power backups ready.
- Avoid parking under trees or old structures.
- Store drinking water in case of short-term outages.
Final Word
India is at a critical juncture where extreme weather is becoming the norm rather than the exception. The twin crises unfolding in Delhi and Bengaluru are reminders of the urgent need for both immediate preparedness and long-term climate resilience.
As temperatures scorch the north and rains batter the south, the call to action is clear: adapt, prepare, and invest in systems that can withstand a rapidly changing climate.
