Delhi recorded its warmest May night in nearly 14 years on Monday, May 25, 2026, with the minimum temperature settling at 32.4°C, which was 5.7°C above the season’s normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The last higher minimum temperature in May was recorded on May 26, 2012, when it stood at 32.5°C. The unusually hot night followed a spell of intense summer conditions in the city, with Delhi having already recorded a minimum of 31.9°C on May 21 this year.
The IMD said several weather stations across the capital reflected the severity of the heat. Palam recorded a minimum of 30.5°C, 3.4°C above normal, while Lodi Road registered 30°C, or 5°C above normal. The Ridge reported 30.6°C, 4.4°C above normal, and Ayanagar touched 32°C, 5.3°C above normal. An IMD official said warm night conditions were recorded at Safdarjung, Lodi Road and Ayanagar.
The IMD defines a warm night as one in which the maximum temperature remains at 40°C or above and the minimum temperature is between 4.5°C and 6.4°C above normal. The weather office has also issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in Delhi on Monday, with the maximum temperature expected to hover around 44°C.
The capital also experienced mild dust storms on Sunday evening, May 24, 2026, which worsened local air quality. By 9 a.m. on Monday, Delhi’s Air Quality Index stood at 206, placing it in the “poor” category. The Central Pollution Control Board classifies AQI values from 0 to 50 as “good,” 51 to 100 as “satisfactory,” 101 to 200 as “moderate,” 201 to 300 as “poor,” 301 to 400 as “very poor,” and 401 to 500 as “severe.”
The latest weather conditions add to the city’s ongoing struggle with extreme summer temperatures. Residents were seen using umbrellas to shield themselves from the scorching heat near India Gate on Sunday afternoon, reflecting the impact of the prolonged hot spell. With night temperatures staying unusually high and daytime heat expected to intensify, Delhi continues to face uncomfortable and potentially hazardous weather conditions at the start of the week.
