Delhi Temperature Crosses 35°C Early in March

New Delhi witnessed an unusually warm start to March as the maximum temperature crossed the 35°C mark during the first week of the month. According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this is the earliest such rise recorded in at least 15 years.

On Saturday, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 35.7°C, which is about seven degrees above the normal level for this time of the year. A day earlier, the temperature had reached 34.4°C.

Meteorological officials say the temperature is likely to increase further in the coming days. Forecasts suggest that the maximum temperature may reach around 37°C by March 11.

Earlier Than Usual Temperature Spike

In previous years, Delhi typically recorded temperatures above 35°C later in March.

According to IMD data, the temperature crossed 35°C on March 14 last year, reaching 36.2°C. In 2024, the city recorded similar heat only in the last week of March. During March 2023, temperatures remained below the 35°C mark throughout the month.

In 2022, the 35°C threshold was crossed in the third week of March.

Senior IMD scientist R.K. Jenamani said the temperature rise has come earlier this year compared to recent years.

He noted that in March 2021, the maximum temperature crossed 35°C on March 11, while in 2026 it has happened four days earlier.

Clear Skies Driving the Heat

Weather experts say the rise in temperature is largely due to continuous clear skies and dry weather conditions.

Delhi has experienced mostly dry weather since the last significant rainfall on January 28. February saw only two short spells of light rain, which did little to bring down temperatures.

Officials said the absence of an active western disturbance over north India has resulted in clear skies, allowing daytime temperatures to rise steadily.

Possible Slight Dip in Temperature

According to IMD forecasts, a western disturbance may affect the region from March 9. However, it is expected to bring rainfall mainly to the hilly areas, while the plains, including Delhi, are unlikely to receive rain.

Meteorologists said that changes in wind patterns may slightly reduce the temperature.

“Wind direction may turn easterly around March 10, which could cause a small drop of about one to two degrees Celsius in Delhi,” said Jenamani.

IMD expects the maximum temperature to remain between 34°C and 36°C from Sunday to Tuesday, before rising again around March 11.

Nights Also Warmer Than Normal

Night temperatures in the capital have also been above the seasonal average.

The minimum temperature on Saturday was recorded at 17.4°C, which is three degrees above normal. Meteorologists predict that night temperatures may reach around 19°C by March 11.

Air Quality Declines

Along with rising temperatures, Delhi’s air quality has also deteriorated.

The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 246, placing it in the ‘poor’ category. The previous day, the AQI was 172, which falls in the ‘moderate’ range.

According to the Centre’s Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, air quality may improve slightly to the moderate category on Sunday and Monday, but could return to the poor category by Tuesday.