New Delhi, India — March 8, 2026
Delhi is experiencing an unusually intense start to summer this year, with temperatures rising to levels not seen in the first week of March for nearly five decades.
According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature at Safdarjung Observatory, the capital’s primary weather station, reached 35.7°C on Saturday, March 7, marking the highest temperature recorded in the first week of March in 50 years.
Residents across Delhi–NCR continued to feel intense heat on Sunday, March 8, as temperatures remained significantly above seasonal averages.
Key Temperature Highlights
Meteorological data highlights the unusual nature of this early heatwave-like situation.
Record Temperature: 35.7°C recorded on March 7 at Safdarjung Observatory
Previous Record: 34.8°C on March 5, 1999
Expected Temperature Today: Around 36°C maximum and 17°C minimum
Weather experts say such high temperatures are rare for early March and are typically seen closer to late April or May.
IMD Warns of Above-Normal Temperatures
The India Meteorological Department has warned that temperatures in Delhi are currently about 7.3°C above normal, creating conditions that resemble early summer rather than spring.
Meteorologists say the unusual heat is part of a broader pattern affecting northwest India, where temperatures may remain 8–12°C above normal in the coming days.
Experts Say Spring Season Is Disappearing
Climate experts note that Delhi appears to have skipped much of its traditional spring season this year.
Instead of gradually warming from winter to spring, the region has shifted rapidly from cold winter conditions directly into intense heat, a phenomenon some experts refer to as the “disappearance of spring.”
This pattern has been observed more frequently in recent years as climate variability increases.
Possible Relief From Western Disturbance
Weather models suggest a new western disturbance could become active between March 9 and March 11.
This system may bring rain or snowfall to Himalayan regions, which could provide slight temperature relief in northern plains, including Delhi.
However, the IMD notes that the relief may be temporary.
Dry Weather Expected in Delhi-NCR
For now, weather forecasts indicate dry and sunny conditions across Delhi-NCR, with no rainfall expected for at least the next 10 days.
Strong sunshine and dry winds are likely to keep daytime temperatures elevated, increasing the discomfort for residents earlier than usual in the season.
