March has just started, but the heat in the capital is already testing everyone’s patience, feeling more like May or June. Yesterday, March 6, was recorded as the hottest day of the season so far, with the mercury touching 34.4 degrees Celsius at the Safdarjung station. This temperature is seven degrees above the normal average for this time of the year, signaling an unusually hot summer ahead for Delhi residents.
Temperature Records in Delhi NCR
The heat has broken initial records this season across various monitoring stations in the capital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the maximum temperature at the Safdarjung base station was 34.4°C on March 6, 2026. This sudden rise has surprised many citizens who are used to pleasant weather during this month.
Other areas in the capital recorded even higher temperatures or significant deviations from the norm:
- The Ridge: 34.7°C (6.7 degrees above normal)
- Lodhi Road: 34.4°C (7.4 degrees above normal)
- Palam: 32.5°C
- Aya Nagar: 34.4°C
Even the nights are getting warmer, with the minimum temperature settling at 17°C, which is about 4 degrees higher than usual.
IMD Warning and Weekly Forecast
Weather experts have issued a warning for the coming days. The IMD has alerted residents about ‘heatwave-like conditions’ likely to prevail between March 7 and March 9 in Delhi, as well as in neighboring states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. The temperature is expected to climb further, potentially reaching 36°C by Tuesday, March 11.
Senior Scientist R.K. Jenamani from IMD explained that the lack of active Western Disturbances and clear skies are allowing direct sunlight to heat up the surface. Skymet officials also confirmed that dry westerly winds will continue, and there is no chance of rain for the next 10 days, meaning no immediate relief is in sight.
Health Advisory and Guidelines
With the sudden spike in heat, the health department has asked people to be cautious. Authorities suggest avoiding direct sunlight between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Schools have been advised to stop holding open-air assemblies in the afternoon and ensure students drink enough water throughout the day.
Experts recommend wearing light-colored cotton clothes to stay cool. People should avoid beverages like tea, coffee, or alcohol that cause dehydration and instead stick to water, ORS, or homemade cool drinks. Construction sites and workplaces have also been asked to shift strenuous outdoor work to cooler hours of the day.
