Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: On March 26, Delhi experienced its hottest day of the year so far, with the mercury shooting up to 40.5°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This marks the highest March temperature recorded in the capital since 2022, when the maximum touched 39.1°C.
The Ridge Observatory reported a maximum temperature of 40°C, surpassing Tuesday’s high of 37.1°C. For comparison, the peak March temperature in 2024 was 37.8°C, and in 2023 it was 34.3°C. The minimum temperature on Wednesday settled at 17.7°C, while humidity ranged between 19% and 52% throughout the day.
Heatwave Warning Across Northern India
The IMD has raised alarms about a significant increase in heatwave days across Northwest India during the upcoming summer season. The region typically experiences 5 to 6 heatwave days, but this year could see 10 to 12, effectively doubling the average.
“We are expecting slightly above-normal heatwave conditions, especially over West and Central India,” said Soma Sen Roy, senior IMD scientist. “This is a seasonal prediction and does not mean every day will be above normal.”
While IMD refrained from commenting on whether 2025 will surpass 2024, India’s hottest year on record with 554 heatwave days, the early temperature spikes suggest the country may again be in for an intense summer.
