New Delhi experienced extremely hot weather during first week of March. Moreover city crossed 35°C unusually early. Consequently temperature record for early March broke after many years. Safdarjung Observatory measured temperature reaching 35.7°C during this period. Meanwhile IMD confirmed last similar event occurred around 2011.
Furthermore temperature remained about 7.3°C above seasonal average. Consequently weather conditions resembled late April or May rather than early March.
Additionally heat arrived weeks before summer usually begins. Therefore meteorologists express concern about upcoming summer conditions. Experts suggest 2026 summer may become extremely severe. Some analysts even predict temperatures could exceed record summer experienced during 2024.
Moreover first week of March 2026 became hottest opening week recorded during past fifty years in New Delhi.
Why Delhi Temperatures Rose So Early
Meteorologists attribute unusual heat to several combined weather factors. Firstly strong high pressure systems dominate atmosphere across region. Meanwhile absence of pre-monsoon showers intensified heat across northwest and peninsular India.
Additionally many locations recorded temperatures between 3°C and 7°C above seasonal averages. Limited cloud formation contributed to rising temperatures. Furthermore rainfall absence intensified warming conditions.
Lack Of Western Disturbances
Weather experts also observed deficit of Western Disturbances during season. Normally these systems travel from Mediterranean region toward northern India. They usually bring clouds rain and cooling effects during winter months.
However current shortage exposed northern plains to continuous sunlight. Additionally dry winds strengthened warming pattern across region.
Experts explained that dry conditions alongside strong lower level winds indicate early pre-monsoon transition. Consequently seasonal weather cycle appears shifting earlier than past years.
Heat Spreads Across India
Meanwhile extreme temperatures extend beyond national capital. March 2026 shows temperatures 4°C to 12°C above seasonal averages across many regions.
Additionally local heat alerts remain active across several states. In some central western areas temperature repeatedly crossed 40°C.
Moreover maximum temperatures exceeded normal levels across many northern states. Haryana Chandigarh Delhi Punjab Himachal Pradesh Jammu Kashmir reported increases exceeding 5.1°C above normal.
Will Temperatures Fall Soon
Meteorologists expect short period of relief soon. Forecast models show fresh Western Disturbance approaching Himalayan region around March 9 or March 10.
Consequently daytime temperatures may decline between 5°C and 7°C across northern plains. However IMD warns that relief may remain temporary. Forecast indicates dry sunny weather will continue across Delhi NCR. Additionally weather models show no rainfall expected during next ten days beyond brief disturbance.
Therefore forecasters warn upcoming summer may remain long severe.
