The national capital sweltered under extreme heat on Tuesday, March 26, as the mercury soared to a scorching 40.5 degrees Celsius, marking the hottest day of 2025 so far, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The Ridge observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 40°C, which is 6.3 degrees above the seasonal average.
The temperature surge surpassed this year’s previous high of 37.1°C, recorded just a day earlier on March 25. Comparatively, March 2024’s highest temperature was 37.8°C on March 29, while in 2023, the peak for the month was 34.3°C on March 15. The last time Delhi experienced such intense March heat was in 2022, when the temperature hit 39.1°C on March 29. Humidity levels on March 26 fluctuated between 19% and 52%, with the minimum temperature settling at 17.7°C.
Heatwave Alert Issued for Northwest India
The IMD has issued a warning about an increased number of heatwave days across Northwest India this summer. Typically, the region experiences around five to six heatwave days in a season, but this year, that number is expected to double to 10-12 days.
“We are expecting slightly above-normal heatwave conditions, especially over West and Central India. Generally, Northwest India sees around five to six heatwave days. This year, we expect 10 to 12 days, which is double the normal,” said IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy. However, she clarified that this is a seasonal prediction and does not imply that all days will have above-normal temperatures.
Uncertainty Over 2025 Being Hotter Than 2024
While the IMD has predicted an increase in heatwave days, officials have refrained from confirming whether 2025 will surpass 2024 in overall warmth. Last year was officially recorded as India’s hottest year, with the country enduring 554 heatwave days.
With summer intensifying early, residents of Delhi and other parts of North India are advised to take precautions against heat-related illnesses. Authorities are also expected to issue further advisories in the coming weeks as the heatwave season unfolds.
Sources By Agencies