Rising temperatures across Delhi-NCR, with maximum temperatures touching 40-41°C in early June and humidity levels remaining high, have led to a sharp increase in demand for ice, providing a seasonal boost to vendors and suppliers. Weather experts note that when air temperatures exceed 40°C and humidity rises, traditional evaporative coolers lose their cooling efficiency because the water cannot evaporate fast enough to lower the air temperature.
At a dairy farm in Ghazipur, East Delhi, Shamim, an ice seller from Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh, said sales have risen significantly in recent weeks as people look for ways to cope with the heat. According to him, customers are purchasing large quantities of ice for multiple purposes, including cooling drinking water and lowering temperatures in air coolers.
"People are using more ice than usual because of the extreme weather. Many add it to water tanks and coolers to get colder air," Shamim said while cutting large ice blocks for customers.
The sustained spell of high temperatures and humid conditions has pushed residents to seek affordable methods of staying cool. Ice has emerged as a popular option for households, dairy farms, small businesses and street vendors dealing with the summer heat.
Vendors say demand has increased steadily as more people rely on ice to provide temporary relief during the hottest parts of the day. Large ice blocks are being purchased and transported across neighbourhoods for both domestic and commercial use.
The rise in sales reflects how seasonal businesses linked to cooling and hydration benefit during periods of extreme heat. Alongside ice, products such as air coolers and cold beverages are also witnessing higher demand.
As hot weather conditions continue across the region, vendors expect ice sales to remain strong in the coming weeks.
Text by Vidushi Laroiya.