New Delhi has witnessed one of its warmest starts to March in recent years, with temperatures rising well above the seasonal average. Within just the first five days of the month, the city recorded an average minimum temperature of 16°C, the highest for this period since 2023.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the last time the average minimum temperature for the same period was higher was in 2023, when it reached 16.2°C.
The unusually warm nights combined with elevated daytime temperatures have pushed the mercury significantly above normal levels across the capital.
Thursday Becomes Hottest Day of the Season
Thursday emerged as the hottest day of the season so far in Delhi.
The IMD reported that the maximum temperature climbed to 34.3°C, which is 6.9 degrees above the seasonal normal. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature settled at 18.2°C, around 4.8 degrees above average for this time of year.
Meteorologists attribute the rising temperatures to clear skies and the absence of major weather disturbances over northern India.
No Major Weather Activity Expected Soon
Weather experts say the warm conditions are likely to persist.
Mahesh Palawat from Skymet Weather said there is no significant weather system expected over Delhi or neighbouring states like Punjab for at least the next 10 days.
“There are indications of clear skies and bright sunshine in the coming days, which may lead to a gradual rise in both morning and evening temperatures. Wind speeds are also likely to increase,” Palawat said.
Temperature Readings Across Delhi Stations
The IMD’s base observatory at Safdarjung recorded a maximum temperature of 34.3°C and a minimum of 18.2°C.
Other weather stations across the city also reported temperatures significantly above normal:
- Palam: Maximum 32.5°C (5.5°C above normal), Minimum 16.1°C (3.5°C above normal)
- Lodhi Road: Maximum 34.4°C (7.4°C above normal), Minimum 17.0°C (5°C above normal)
- Ridge: Maximum 34.7°C (6.7°C above normal), Minimum 18.2°C (4.1°C above normal)
- Ayanagar: Maximum 34.4°C (7.3°C above normal), Minimum 18.1°C (5.1°C above normal)
The day witnessed clear skies and sustained surface winds of 15–25 kmph, with occasional gusts touching 35 kmph. Relative humidity was recorded at 43% at 5:30 pm, according to the IMD.
Weather Forecast for the Coming Days
The weather department has forecast mainly clear skies for Friday and Saturday, indicating that warm conditions are likely to continue in the national capital over the next few days.
Air Quality Remains in ‘Moderate’ Category
Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 145 at 6 pm, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board.
Under the CPCB classification:
- 0–50: Good
- 51–100: Satisfactory
- 101–200: Moderate
- 201–300: Poor
- 301–400: Very Poor
- 401–500: Severe
According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the AQI is expected to remain moderate on Friday but may deteriorate to the ‘poor’ category on March 7.