Delhi Experiences Unprecedented Early Heatwave with Temperature Hitting 35.7°C
On Saturday, the mercury in New Delhi climbed to a scorching 35.7 degrees Celsius, which is a significant seven degrees above the normal range for this time of year. According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this event represents the earliest instance in at least 15 years where the temperature has surpassed the 35-degree mark during the first week of March. The previous day recorded a slightly lower temperature of 34.4 degrees Celsius, indicating a rapid escalation in heat.
Historical Context and Rising Trends
In comparison to recent years, last year saw the temperature cross 35 degrees Celsius in the second week of March, specifically on March 14 at 36.2 degrees Celsius. In 2024, this threshold was only breached in the last week of March, while in 2023, temperatures remained below 35 degrees throughout the entire month. The year 2022 witnessed this mark being exceeded in the third week of March. RK Jenamani, a senior scientist at IMD, highlighted that in March 2021, the day temperature surpassed 35 degrees Celsius on March 11, making this year's occurrence four days earlier.
Causes Behind the Temperature Surge
The primary factors contributing to this early heatwave include continuous clear skies and the absence of active western disturbances. Delhi has been experiencing predominantly dry weather since the last intense rainfall on January 28, with February bringing only two spells of very light showers. With no western disturbances influencing the region, the city has consistently recorded clear skies, which has directly contributed to the rise in mercury levels. Jenamani further explained that while a western disturbance is expected to impact the region from March 9, it may only cause rain activity in the hills, with no precipitation anticipated in the plains. However, a change in wind direction to easterly on March 10 could lead to a slight dip in temperatures by one to two degrees in Delhi.
IMD Forecast and Predictions
The IMD has issued a bulletin predicting that temperatures will hover between 34 and 36 degrees Celsius from Sunday to Tuesday, with a potential rise to around 37 degrees Celsius by Wednesday. The forecast indicates a rise in maximum temperatures by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius over the next 24 hours, with no significant changes expected in the subsequent three days. However, temperatures may increase by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius on March 11 before falling by a similar margin thereafter. Notably, maximum temperatures are likely to remain markedly above normal, exceeding 5.1 degrees Celsius or more, over the next seven days.
Night Temperatures and Air Quality Concerns
Apart from the daytime heat, night temperatures have also been recording above-normal levels. The minimum temperature settled at 17.4 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal, and is projected to reach 19 degrees Celsius by March 11. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality has deteriorated to the poor category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 246, up from 172 in the moderate range the previous day. According to the Centre's Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the AQI is expected to dip back to the moderate category on Sunday and Monday but may worsen again to poor on Tuesday.
This early onset of high temperatures underscores the intensifying heatwave conditions in the region, with implications for public health and daily life. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and take necessary precautions as the mercury continues to rise.
