Delhi records hottest day of 2025 at 40.5°C; IMD warns of rising heatwave days in North India
PTC Web Desk: Delhi witnessed its hottest day of the year so far on Tuesday, March 26, as temperatures soared to a blazing 40.5°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This marked the highest temperature of the year, surpassing the previous peak of 37.1°C recorded just a day earlier.
On Wednesday, the Ridge Observatory also logged a maximum temperature of 40°C, which is 6.3 degrees above the seasonal average. IMD data reveals that last year, the highest temperature in March was recorded at 37.8°C on March 29. In 2023, the month's peak was comparatively lower at 34.3°C, observed on March 15. The last instance when Delhi experienced such intense heat in March was in 2022, when the temperature touched 39.1°C.
The capital's humidity levels fluctuated between 19% and 52% throughout the day, while the minimum temperature settled at 17.7°C.
Heatwave days expected to double this year
The IMD has issued a warning for increased heatwave activity across Northwest India during the upcoming summer months. Meteorologists predict that the region may experience 10 to 12 heatwave days, which is almost double the usual average of 5 to 6 days.
IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy stated, "We anticipate slightly higher than normal heatwave conditions, especially in parts of West and Central India. This, however, is a seasonal forecast and doesn’t imply that every day will witness extreme temperatures."
- With inputs from agencies
