Spree Of Thirty Five Degrees In Delhi: Relief Likely On Weekend
Representational Image: AI-Skymet
Key Takeaways:
- Delhi/NCR has witnessed its hottest first week and first ten days of March in nearly 50 years.
- Safdarjung recorded 35.7°C on March 7, with temperatures staying above 35°C for four consecutive days.
- Temperatures are about 7°C above normal, while night temperatures remain 4°-5°C above average.
- A western disturbance around March 14–15 may trigger the first pre-monsoon thunderstorm and bring temporary relief.
Unrelenting heat continues to sweep Delhi/NCR for the last one week or so. The month of March started with 30°C and quickly climbed to the mid-30s. Base station Safdarjung has recorded maximum temperatures of over 35°C for the last four consecutive days. The highest temperature of 35.7°C for this season was registered on 07th March and the mercury continued to hover between 35°-36°C thereafter. Today again, the mercury will rise like the last few days and may even cross 36°C for the first time this season. Some relief is expected over the weekend between 14th and 16th March 2026.
The first ten days of March have been record hottest in recent times. The first week, as such, was the hottest in the last 50 years and so is the case with the first ten days. These temperatures are about 7°C above the normal. High temperatures during the day are leading to above-normal temperatures at night as well. The minimum temperature is ranging between 18°-19°C, about 4°-5°C above the normal.
A hiatus in this prolonged heat spell is expected around the approaching weekend. However, it is not likely to cool down, but the extreme heat will get mitigated. The mercury will sink by about 3°-4°C and, more importantly, the city will have a pause from the tireless warm and dry conditions.
An active western disturbance is approaching the Western Himalayas on 14th March. The system will have an induced cyclonic circulation over the plains. The two systems together will increase the spread, intensity, and duration of weather activity over the northern parts of the country. The mountains will have a bigger and extended share for nearly 5-6 days. The plains will open their account with the maiden pre-monsoon activity lasting for two days, between 14th and 15th March 2026. Delhi will be on the far end of the activity envelope, but still the residual effect will start the first occurrence of thunderstorms of this season. The coupled effect of a changed wind pattern, scattered towering clouds, and a splash of rain/showers will arrest the rising temperatures. The mercury may plummet to less than 30°C for a brief period. More weather activity is expected around mid-week next.
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