Delhi faced its hottest day of the year on March 26, as the
mercury soared to a blistering 40.5°C, marking an unseasonably hot day
for the capital. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD),
temperatures were 6.3°C above normal, surpassing the previous high of 37.1°C
recorded just a day earlier.
Breaking March Records
This extreme heat comes unusually early in the year, with
temperatures already outpacing previous years. In March 2024, the
highest recorded temperature was 37.8°C (on March 29), while in 2023,
the peak for the month was only 34.3°C (on March 15). The last time
Delhi witnessed such intense March heat was in 2022, when temperatures
hit 39.1°C.
The IMD also reported that humidity levels fluctuated
between 19% and 52% throughout the day, while the minimum temperature
stood at 17.7°C.
Heatwave Alert: Double the Usual Days Expected This Year
With summer approaching, the IMD has issued a heatwave
warning for North India, predicting nearly twice the usual number of
heatwave days in Northwest India this season.
Typically, the region experiences 5 to 6 heatwave days
each summer, but this year, meteorologists expect 10 to 12 days,
significantly increasing the risk of extreme weather conditions.
IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy explained, “We are
anticipating slightly above-normal heatwave conditions, particularly in West
and Central India. This does not mean every day will be extremely hot, but the
frequency of heatwaves will be higher.”
Will 2025 Be Hotter Than 2024?
While IMD officials have not confirmed whether 2025 will
surpass 2024—India’s hottest year on record—last year saw an alarming 554
heatwave days across the country. If the rising trend continues, 2025 could
bring even more severe summer conditions.
With temperatures already hitting 40°C in March,
residents are advised to take precautions, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged
exposure to the sun. As the heatwave intensifies, authorities will likely issue
further advisories to mitigate risks associated with extreme temperatures.