Delhi experienced an unusually early jump in temperature as the mercury crossed the 35 C mark on March 7. This is the earliest occurrence of the temperature rising to this level or above since at least 2011, according to the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) records.

Temperature spikes well above normal

Delhi's maximum temperature recorded on Saturday was 35.7 C, a rise of 7.3Cs above normal for this time of the year. Additionally, the city also recorded a high minimum temperature of 17.4 C, a rise of 3.4 C above normal.

According to IMD records since 2011, the temperature crossing the 35Cs mark for the first time this year is an unusually early occurrence. Last year, the temperature crossed the mark on March 11 at 35.2 C. In 2025, the temperature crossed the mark for the first time on March 14 at 36.2 C. In 2024, the temperature crossed the mark for the first time on March 27 at 37 C.

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Weather factors behind the unusual heat

Reportedly, weather experts attribute the early heat to a combination of factors, including a lack of snowfall in the western Himalayas, weak western disturbances, and dry winds.

Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet, said, "There has been no snowfall this year in the western Himalayas since the end of January, and there was barely any winter rain over the northern plains."

"Additionally, the western disturbances approaching the Himalayas are feeble and not able to bring any snowfall or rain." "Strong winds were keeping the temperature down earlier, but now we expect a further marginal increase in the coming days", he further said.

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Further rise expected before relief

According to the forecast, the temperatures are likely to rise slightly over the next few days. According to the Centre's Early Warning System (CEWS), the high temperature on Sunday will be around 36 C. By Wednesday, the high will be around 37 C.

Senior IMD scientist RK Jenamani said, "A dry spell is ongoing, which is why the temperature is rising ... Over the next couple of days, temperatures may rise by one or two degrees, but from March 9, there may be a dip in temperatures due to rain and snowfall over the hills."