Delhi weather: Rain relief by March 15 after hottest early-March day in 15 years 

Delhi weather

• Delhi recorded its hottest March day in 15 years at 36.8°C.
• Temperatures may drop to 30-32°C with light rain by March 15.
• Air quality remains poor but may improve to moderate in six days.

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Delhi experienced its warmest day of the year on Wednesday as the maximum temperature reached 36.8 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The temperature was recorded at Safdarjung, which is considered the city’s base weather station.

The temperature was eight degrees higher than the seasonal average, making it the hottest day recorded in the first half of March in at least 15 years, The Times of India reported.

The rise in temperature came a day after the city experienced seasonal haze. Clear skies and warm winds during the day led to a further increase in heat across Delhi.

Other weather stations in the city also recorded high temperatures. Ayanagar and the Ridge area were the hottest places, with temperatures touching 37.4 degrees Celsius. Lodhi Road followed closely, recording 37.1 degrees Celsius.

Delhi had already been experiencing unusually warm weather over the past few days. The city recorded four consecutive days of maximum temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius till Tuesday. On Tuesday, the maximum temperature was 35.5 degrees Celsius, which was seven degrees above normal.

According to the IMD, the city may see slightly lower temperatures in the coming days. The weather department expects the maximum temperature to remain between 34 and 36 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius on Thursday.

Weather Forecast

March 12: 34-36°C (max), 16-18°C (min)

March 13: 33-35°C (max), 16-18°C (min)

March 14: 33-35°C (max), 16-18°C (min)

March 15: 30-32°C (max), 16-18°C (min)

March 16: 30-32°C (max), 13-15°C (min)

The IMD also said that a fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India starting March 14, as cited by TOI. Delhi could experience very light rain or drizzle around March 15, which may bring some relief from the heat. If this happens, the maximum temperature could drop to around 30 to 32 degrees Celsius.

Air quality in the city remained poor on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 244, slightly better than 265 a day earlier.

According to the government's early warning system, the air quality will likely remain in the poor category from March 12 to March 14. However, it is expected to gradually improve and may move into the moderate category over the next six days.